Now is the time for farmers to develop an exit plan for the 2023 crop and determine a marketing plan for the 2024 crop.
ABM News
![Soybean plants in a field.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/flowering-soybean_behnken.jpg?h=00678232&itok=B4cpuDUO)
Preparing for lower agricultural margins requires strategic planning and proactive measures to ensure the sustainability and profitability of agricultural operations.
This course is for income tax professionals working with individual and small business returns, including CPAs, enrolled agents, lawyers, insurance personnel, and VITA volunteers.
![Three women stand talking outside at a farm with multiple greenhouses.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/RSDP%20Farmers%20and%20Extension.jpg?h=8d5bec0f&itok=MCcZMM8c)
The 2022 Census of Agriculture report shows that there continue to be fewer farms on the landscape across the U.S. That holds in Minnesota, however, Minnesota has more farmers in 2022 than in 2017.
![People changing boots before entering a barn.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/barn-boots-biosecurity2.jpg?h=8e7dc6fd&itok=OvYLJKhW)
Livestock and poultry exhibitors are preparing their animals for local, county and state fair exhibitions. As H5N1 Influenza A infections have been interrupting production in poultry and dairy cattle farms, an Extension has guidance for exhibitors and exhibition decision-makers.
![A field of corn in June.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/June-corn-800.jpg?h=b909a6cd&itok=UHipP9-x)
This year's frequent rains may prevent planting from being completed before yield decreases become significant. For insurance coverage, the final planting date for corn was May 31. For soybeans, it is June 10. After these dates, producers have several options.
![soybean](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/flowering-soybean_behnken.jpg?h=00678232&itok=B4cpuDUO)
SW Minnesota farmers experienced a drastic reduction in farm income in 2023 caused by weather challenges coupled with decreasing corn and soybean prices, increased costs and challenging profitability for the dairy and hog sectors.
![Dairy cows feeding in a barn.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/dairy-cows-feeding.jpg?h=4005aca6&itok=WWQepfVc)
As we try to improve feed efficiency, it is useful to think about and minimize sources of energy loss from the animal.
![Two women standing at a fence near a cow barn.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Women-observing-cows.jpg?h=9e95efcb&itok=1_n7Z0I2)
(Now being held virtually.) Celebrate women in agriculture and raise awareness of issues and challenges they face in their work.
![Herd of cows on a dirt road with farm in the background.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Cover%20photo%20-%20PdT%20case%20studies.png?h=30afbef5&itok=iCxT_rir)
When setting business goals for the year, have a clear vision of where you are going and how you are going to get there. You are more likely to achieve goals that are written down with a specific end in mind.