Financial

USDA Local Agriculture Market Program: Overview of Funding Opportunities

USDA Local Agriculture Market Program: Overview of Funding Opportunities

The USDA's Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) includes three key grant opportunities in 2025: the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP), and Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP). These programs support efforts to improve food access, boost market opportunities for local producers, and strengthen regional food systems. Applications are due by June 27, 2025. Learn more about the programs and how to get started in this blog post!

Planning for Profit: The Power of Sales Forecasts and Enterprise Budgets

Planning for Profit: The Power of Sales Forecasts and Enterprise Budgets

Farming comes with constant uncertainty—but tools like sales forecasting and enterprise budgeting can help you make smarter decisions, manage risk, and boost your farm’s profitability. Whether you're growing vegetables, raising livestock, or running a diversified operation, these tools provide the financial clarity to plan with confidence. Want to learn how to apply them to your business? Read the full blog post to explore practical tips, real-world examples, and free resources to get started.

Farming by the Numbers: Using the Farm Finance Scorecard to Measure Performance

Farming by the Numbers:  Using the Farm Finance Scorecard to Measure Performance

As we wrap up Financial Literacy Month, it’s the perfect time to take a closer look at your farm’s financial health. In today’s ag landscape, success means tracking more than just yields—you need the right Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to guide decisions, plan ahead, and stay financially strong. In this blog post, we discuss how to use KPIs and the Farm Finance Scorecard to understand your numbers and what they mean for your business.

Tax Time for Farmers

Tax Time for Farmers

Tax season doesn't have to be stressful — with the right approach, it can be a year-round strategy that sets you up for success. In our latest blog, the UK Department of Agricultural Economics break down essential tax tips, key filing updates, and smart planning strategies for farmers and small business owners, including disaster-related extensions for Kentucky, new 1099-K rules, and options for livestock sales and asset depreciation. Stay organized, stay ahead, and start building a smoother path to your future tax filings today!

Understanding Your Financial Health: Advanced Recordkeeping Tips for 2025

Understanding Your Financial Health: Advanced Recordkeeping Tips for 2025

As we gear up for the 2025 season, effective recordkeeping is key to understanding your business's financial health and driving growth. This blog explores advanced methods, from cloud-based software to industry-specific tools, to help you track finances, analyze key metrics, and make informed decisions. Mastering recordkeeping will set your business up for success in the year ahead.

In case you missed it, check out our Recordkeeping 101 blog post to get caught up on this series.

Farmers Market Pricing Strategies: Balancing Customer Appeal and Profitability

Farmers Market Pricing Strategies: Balancing Customer Appeal and Profitability

Struggling to price your products at the farmers market? It’s a balancing act between attracting customers and ensuring profitability. From calculating your costs to understanding market trends and perceived value, this post breaks down key steps to help you set the perfect price. Ready to optimize your pricing strategy? Read on for tips that will boost your sales and sustain your business!

USDA Value-Added Producer Grant: Overview and Program Changes

USDA Value-Added Producer Grant: Overview and Program Changes

The USDA’s Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program is a cornerstone for farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers who wish to diversify their operations and expand their value-added products. For the current 2025 cycle and future cycles, there are some significant changes that you need to know if you’re interested in applying.  

New Requirement for Businesses Registered with the Secretary of State: Beneficial Ownership Information

New Requirement for Businesses Registered with the Secretary of State: Beneficial Ownership Information

Businesses registered with the Secretary of State (such as LLCs or corporations) are now required to report Beneficial Ownership Information. As of December 26, 2024, the deadline for BOI filing has been suspended until further notice. However, the report is expected to be required in the future. We recommend voluntarily completing the report to avoid having to monitor future deadline updates.

Unlock New Opportunities with KCARD's Farm Diversification Workshop

Unlock New Opportunities with KCARD's Farm Diversification Workshop

KCARD will be hosting a Planning for Farm Diversification workshop on October 22 in Murray, KY to assist agricultural producers who are transitioning out of dark tobacco and diversifying their farming operations with produce or raising livestock for value-added products. The workshops will provide information on business planning, marketing, produce safety practices, and production resources.  

How and Why to Pay Yourself as the Business Owner

How and Why to Pay Yourself as the Business Owner

Farmers and business owners often don’t pay themselves a consistent wage/salary for a number of reasons, although they are contributing a lot of sweat equity to the business. Check out this post to learn more about how and why you should consider paying yourself as the owner of the business.