Finance for Farmers and Ranchers

This webpage is a source for all things farm accounting. Many producers rush out to buy powerful software packages to start their record-keeping journey. The issue with that is often that producer has purchased a tool without the knowledge to wield it. Does purchasing a $1,500 welder make you good at welding if you don’t have the proper knowledge about things like materials and the steps for different kinds of jobs? Even with fancy tools, if you are lacking a complete understanding of how to use them, you can put yourself in less-than-ideal situations.

The same holds true with accounting and record-keeping, especially when software is involved.If you don’t understand the “what” and “why” of record-keeping, you will often find poor indicators for decision-making.

On this webpage, you will find resources that help you with every level of knowledge, including:

  • Basics: t-accounts, debits vs. credits, and types of financial statements
  • Intermediate: closing entries, financial ratios, and revenue recognition
  • Managerial:: profit centers, costing, and inventory
  • Taxes & Policy: federal tax updates, grants, and reporting standards

Don’t be afraid to go back to basics when needed. Especially in farming and ranching, there is a need to have a grasp on many disciplines. Attempting to be an expert at everything would be a tall order. So, use what you need, review what you forget, and ask questions/make recommendations to spur new content.

Quicken/quickbooks course graphic.

Virtual Quicken Training

Know Your Numbers, Know Your Options Record-keeping Course:

Schedule and Registration

Nebraska Farm and Ranch Business Record Book:

Purchase FM88-4-G

All Finance Webinars

Financial Innovation in Accessing Farmland Equity (March 8, 2024 Webinar)
One-Participant 401(K) as a Tool for Farmers and Ranchers (Feb. 1, 2024 Webinar)
Projecting Your Cost of Production for 2024 Using Enterprise Budgeting and ABC (Ag SmartMoney Week Webinar Nov. 21, 2023)
Working Capital: What is it and Why is it Important? (Ag SmartMoney Week Webinar Nov. 9, 2023)
2023 Income Tax Updates for Farmers and Ranchers (Nov. 16, 2023 Webinar)
Dust Off Your Checkbook Register (Ag SmartMoney Week Webinar Nov. 8, 2023)
Cash Flow Budgeting (Ag SmartMoney Week Webinar Nov. 6, 2023)
U.S. Ag Outlook: Tighter Profits, but Strong Financials (Oct. 5, 2023 Webinar)
Fire Up Your Farm and Family Finances! (May 18, 2023 Webinar)
Farm Decision Points: Built-in Analysis Using the Ag Budget Calculator Program (Feb. 16, 2023 Webinar)
Preparing for Loan Renewal (Jan. 5, 2023 Webinar)
2022 Year-End Tax Planning (Dec. 15, 2022 Webinar)
2023 Nebraska Crop Budgets: Estimating Costs, Margins, Yield & Price Breakeven (Dec. 1, 2022 Webinar)
Using Cost of Production Information in a Good Risk Management Culture (August 25, 2022 Webinar)
Dust Off Your Checkbook Register
2021 Nebraska Farm Business Average Review (July 14, 2022 Webinar)
Using Analytica to Model Farm Financial Risk (Webinar)
Post-Pandemic Economic Forces Shaping Agriculture’s Outlook (May 26, 2022 Webinar)
Financial Health Checkup for Farmers and Ranchers
Getting Your Start on the Farm or Ranch with USDA Farm Service Agency (Feb. 17, 2022 Webinar)
Finding a Trusted Tax Advisor (Jan. 6, 2022 Webinar)
Building a Financial Future (Nov. 16, 2021 Webinar)
Don't Drown in Paperwork (Sept. 23, 2021 Webinar)
Business and Financial IQ: The Difference Maker with Dr. David Kohl (July 15, 2021 Webinar)
Back to Basics: Control Costs and Maximize Profits (June 10, 2021 Webinar)
Panel Discussion: Proposed Changes to Capital Gains (April 8, 2021 Webinar)
Nebraska Sales Tax and Exemptions for Agriculture (March 11, 2021 Webinar)
It Costs How Much? Understanding Costs of Production (Feb. 11, 2021 Webinar)
Preparing for Loan Renewal (Jan. 14, 2021 webinar)
Farm Tax Law Changes for 2020 (Dec. 10, 2020 Webinar)
Farm Credit in 2020: A Lending Institution Perspective (Nov. 5, 2020 Webinar)
Cash Flowing to the Other Side of COVID-19 (July 9, 2020 webinar)