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Unit 1: Planning and Business Development

Connecticut farmer Tony Norris raises greens, herbs and tomatoes, and sells them through a statewide organic growers cooperative he helped found. (Len Berton)

Business Plan Organization.

After putting so much time and effort into visioning, goal setting and strategic planning, it is tempting to want to “include it all” in the final, written business plan. Yet, no one, especially a lender who is approached daily by business entrepreneurs, wants to read a 500-page business plan. Encourage farmers and ranchers to keep it simple and avoid the common presentation pitfalls described in Business Planning – A Roadmap for Success by Wilson and Kohl.

There are several business planning resources available in print or online that can help farmers and ranchers determine what components to include in their plans. Two resources that include sample outlines and business plans developed by farmers and ranchers are AgPlan (mentioned previously), and the MISA Building a Sustainable Business guidebook. Scroll down to Planning Task 5: Present, Implement and Monitor Your Business Plan – Which Route Will You Take, and How Will You Check Your Progress Along the Way? Note the separate links for the guidebook chapter as well as the downloadable worksheets.