Florida specialty crop growers and aspiring producers should mark their calendars for Aug. 7. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), in collaboration with Texas A&M and Agricultural Finance, Tax, and Asset Protection, will host a hands-on workshop at the UF/IFAS Extension office in Miami-Dade County in Homestead, Florida.
The workshop, titled, “Business Planning and Tax Management for Farmers and Ranchers,” is a free, in-person event and open to farmers, ranchers and agribusiness professionals looking to improve their business practices, access U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans and meet financial training requirements needed for federal loans.
The training will start at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 1 p.m. with lunch included.
Attendees will gain knowledge in:
- Creating a solid business plan with clear strategies.
- Managing financial records and statements.
- Utilizing asset protection techniques.
- Navigating USDA loan programs, including the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Farm Loan Program.
The workshop will be conducted in English, with Spanish-language support provided by Texas A&M for attendees with limited English proficiency.
“Farmers, ranchers and other agribusiness professionals can enhance the profitability of their businesses and reduce risk through proper financial planning,” said Derek Farnsworth, associate professor of agribusiness management in the UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department. “Attendees will acquire essential financial management skills and receive help applying for farm loans by attending the workshop.”
In addition to classroom-style instruction, attendees will receive one-on-one guidance from experts who can help them complete applications for USDA FSA loans on site. These loans are often essential for starting, expanding or maintaining family farming operations.