Farming Smarter with Richard Wiswall (recordkeeping, budgets, and more!): New Entry

Richard Wiswall’s experience from farming full time for the last 35 years, coupled with his thirst for appropriate farm business strategies, gives a hard-to-find authenticity to his workshops. Richard will lead this full day workshop focused on making a profit, record keeping strategies, building budgets, and improved financial management for your farm. Beginning and seasoned farmers alike will benefit, and share in some eye opening results. Registration required.

Early bird tickets available through Jan. 10, 2017: $12/each

Regular tickets available starting Jan. 11, 2017: $17/each

https://nesfp.org/events/farming-smarter-wiswall

*Please note that scholarships are available. Please email janel.wright@tufts.edu to inquire.

Schedule:

8:45 am – 10:15: Farming Smarter, Not Harder. Farming offers fundamental satisfaction from producing food, working outdoors, being one’s own boss, and working intimately with nature. But unfortunately, many farmers avoid learning about the business end of farming; because of this, they often work harder than they need to, or quit farming altogether because of frustrating- and often avoidable- losses. The first part of the day will focus on the planning and analysis tools needed to run a profitable farm, in an easy, step-by-step format.

Break

10:30 am to Noon: Determining Your Costs of Production. Ever wonder how much it costs to produce a dozen eggs? A feeder pig? Hoophouse greens? Are you making a profit with them given your current sales prices? Richard will demystify production costs for various farm ventures and show which ones are making money or not. This group working session will simplify and enlighten the process of determining profitability for any of your farm endeavors.

Lunch

1 pm to 2:30 pm: Mind Your Business! What does it mean to be “In Business”? Why should you keep records? Because Richard said so? No! To better manage your farm business so you can work less and make more money? Yes! Now that you are in the farming business, learn the language of business. Be a highly effective manager, learn the macro and micro tools of financials, and benefit from some quick tips for success.

Break

2:45 pm – 3:30 or 4 pm: Q&A and Open Discussion. Attendees’ choice to discuss several topics: marketing, setting price, CSA pricing, ideal food system, living wages, leasing vs. owning, effective employee management, farm mechanization efficiency, starting a farm, or a group session of filling out overhead and marketing expenses.