Writing a farm business plan can be a tool for you to plan your farming business. It can also be a requirement of securing grants and loans for your farm business. The process of writing a farm business plan may seem overwhelming and intimidating at first, but if you break it down into its component steps, it becomes much more manageable.
A business plan is a roadmap for your small farm . It is both process and product. During the writing of a farm business plan, you'll develop an overall vision and mission for your business. You will think about your short- and long-term goals. You'll define the steps needed to achieve those goals. You'll set the direction for your business to develop over the next five years.
If you're already an established business, your new business plan will show where you're going next. A good business plan should be:
Your farm’s mission statement is your overarching purpose for your business:
This is beyond “make money.” This mission statement is based on your values and your core identity as a small farm.
The goals in your business plan are the specific, measurable “things” you will achieve with your small farm. Short-term goals are defined as those that you will complete within one year. Long-term goals are those that take longer than one year to complete.
SMART Goals are:
In this section of your business plan, take inventory of what you have right now:
This is where your business plan gets to looking forward. You are going to formulate your farm strategy from now into the next five years or so.
In the next part of your farm business plan, you develop and outline a marketing strategy for your products and services. This can build on the research you did in the previous step. For each product, include the price, placement, and promotion ideas. Consider how you will convey real and perceived value to your customers.
This part of your business plan details your farm business’ structure. Everyone who is involved in the management of the business should be listed here. External resources are listed here as well.
In this section, you will need to detail the financial aspect of your farming operation. List your current finances in detail, including all income and operating expenses. Referring to your new strategy, you will forecast what is needed for future growth and to meet the goals you have outlined in terms of capital. Include what your future operating expenses will be.
Writing a farm business plan is a big project. Don’t let that put you off. Your plan can be as simple as it needs to be for right now. Begin with your mission statement and goals. Do your homework by analyzing markets and researching competitors and trends. Have fun brainstorming alternative strategies and let them marinate a while. Take it one step at a time.
Maize farming is very popular among the farmers in many parts of the world. Maize has become a staple food in many parts of the world with total production of maize surpassing that of wheat or rice.
And maize is called queen of cereals, because it has highest genetic yield potential among the cereals. Maize ( Zea mays ), also known as corn, is actually a cereal grain which is used for many different purposes.
It was first domesticated by the indigenous people in southern Mexico about 10,000 years ago, and today it is very popular throughout the world.
The leafy stalk of the plant produces pollen inflorescences and seperate ovuliferous inflorescences called ears that yield kernels or seeds, which are fruits.
The plants are often 3 meters in height (but some natural strains can grow up to 13 meters). The stem is generally composed of 20 internodes of around 18 cm length. A leaf which grows from each node, is generally 9 cm in width and about 1.2 m in length.
Maize is in 3rd position in term of total staple food production. But a very little amount of total maize production is consumed directly by humans. Most of the maize is used for corn ethanol, animal feed and for producing other maize products, such as corn syrup and corn starch.
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Like many other commercial crop farming business, large scale maize farming business also offers several advantages.
Starting maize farming business is not too tough. The plants are relatively easy to grow and you will able to grow if you are a beginner. Through maize farming, you can easily shield the deteriorating grade of soil.
Maize farming can help preserving 90% of water and about 70 of potency as compared with paddy. And maize farming can actually make more profit than paddy or wheat farming.
However, here we are describing more information about maize farming from selecting land, planting, caring to harvesting.
First of all, try to learn more about commercial maize production business practically. Like many other crop farming business, having practical knowledge is also very important for commercial maize farming business. So, try to learn more about this business practically from any of your nearest agriculture extension office or from any existing farmers in your area.
Completing a training is also very beneficial for operating a successful maize farming business. You can complete training from any of your nearest government or non-government organizations or from any agriculture extension office.
A good and effective business plan helps to start and operate a business successfully. So, making a very good and effective business plan is very important. You can ask for help from an expert for making the business plan, especially if you are a beginner.
First of all, select a good location for maize farming. Maize plants grow well in fertile soil with pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. They can be grown on wide range of soil types including loamy, sandy loamy or clay loam soil (heavy clay soil is not good for maize farming).
But the soil needs to be rich in organic content and have to have good water containing capacity. The plants also require full sun for better yield. So, consider all these factors while selecting land for starting maize farming.
For preparing the soil, first of all remove all the weeds and remains of previously grown crop from the field. Then plough the land to bring the soil to fine tilth. 6-7 ploughing and harrowing will be required for making the soil fully prepared for maize farming.
As the maize plants grow very well in organic content rich soil, so try to add as much organic contents (fully-rotted aged manure or compost) as you can. 4-6 tons of fully decomposed aged manure will be enough for 1 acre land.
For commercial maize farming, you also have to apply some chemical fertilizers into the soil. Applying 20-24 kg phosphorus, 60-70 kg nitrogen and 10-12 kg potash per acre will be required for optimal production.
Soil test is necessary to know deficiency of any nutrient in the soil, and exact amount of chemical fertilizers can vary from place to place. So test the soil before applying chemical fertilizers.
The maize plants are grown throughout the world, and the plants can grow in a wide variety of climatic conditions. It is actually a warm weather crop and doesn’t grow well in the areas where the minimum daily temperature is less than 19 °C.
The seeds can germinate as low as 10 °C, but the germination process will be faster and less variable at soil temperature of 16 °C to 18 °C. And maximum temperature for maize farming is 30 °C to 35 °C.
Maize is a warm season crop, and is cold-intolerant. The seeds must be shown in the spring in the temperate zones. Actually, it can be grown throughout the year, but grow best between 21 °C and 27 °C temperature.
There are some different types of maize to choose from. The 6 major types of maize are sweet corn , flour corn, popcorn, pod corn, flint corn and dent corn. You should choose such a type which is widely grown and available in your area.
After selecting your desired type of maize, purchase seeds from any of your nearest market or seed supply stores. Maize is very common and popular throughout the world, so you will easily be able to purchase seeds from your local market.
Total amount of seeds per acre depends on many different factors. Exact amount of seeds required per acre can vary depending on production purpose, seed size, season, plant type and sowing method.
On average you will need about 8-10 kg/acre for spring crop, about 8 kg/acre for sweet corn, about 7 kg/acre for pop corn, about 16 kg/acre for baby corn and about 20 kg/acre for fodder production.
The maize seeds are planted in rows. But space between rows and between plants can vary depending on the maize type. Spacing the rows to about 2 feet apart and the plants to about 8 inches apart will be good for winter crop and both sweet and baby corn production.
Spacing 20×6 inches will be good for pop corn production and 12×4 inches will be good for fodder production. You can sow the seeds manually by dibbling or by mechanically with help of tractor drawn ridger seed drill. And sow the seed to about 1 inch deep.
Before sowing, treat the seeds with fungicides for preventing seed and soil borne diseases. Treating the seeds with Thiram or Carbendazim at the rate of 2 grams per kg seed will be good.
Taking additional care is must for successful maize farming business and for maximum yield. The plants will grow better and produce more if you take additional care of the plants. Here we are describing more about the steps for caring the maize plants.
Fertilizing: Additional fertilizers may be required for maize farming. Test the soil and take advice from an experienced agriculture specialist before applying additional fertilizers.
Watering: The maize plants generally require less water as compared to other crops. Although timely and adequate watering will help the plants to grow well. Apply a light watering immediately after sowing the seeds. Then water lightly after a week for a month (during the early stage of this crop). And additional watering should be applied after every 25-30 days. Avoid water stagnation and the land must have to have good drainage system for successful maize farming business.
Controlling Weeds: Controlling weeds is very important for successful maize farming business. Initially you should remove all the weeds from the field while ploughing and harrowing. And then at least 2 additional hand weeding is required. The first weeding should be done on 20-25 days and another is on 40-45 days after sowing. Mulching can help to control most of the weeds from the field.
Like many other commercial crops, the maize is also susceptible to some pests and diseases. Corn worm, stalk borer or stem borer, shoot bug, pink borer, termites and shoot fly are some common pests for the maize plants.
Downy mildew, leaf spot, post flowering stalk rot and maydis leaf blight are some common diseases for the maize plants. Contact your nearest agriculture extension office or consult with an specialist for having recommendation for controlling all these pests and diseases.
You can start harvesting when cobs outer cover turns from green to white. Actually when the stalks have dried and moisture of the grain as about 20-17%, is the optimum time for harvesting maize. You can harvest the maize manually by hand, and there are machines available for separating the seeds.
Yield can vary depending on many different factors. But on average, you can expect about or up to 2500 kg per hectare.
People ask many questions about maize farming. Here we are trying to list the most common questions about corn farming, and trying to answer them. Hope you will find your answer. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.
What is the origin of maize?
Maize is the domesticated variant of teosinte. Several theories had been proposed about the specific origin of maize in Mesoamerica. Probably, it was first domesticated by indigenous peoples in southern Mexico about 10,000 years ago.
What are the other names of maize?
Maize is known by many other names in many different parts of the world. It’s other names include corn, Indian corn, sweet corn, mealie etc. Maize is also known by some other local names in many different languages. It is known as Mielie in Afrikaans, Makki or Makai in Hindi, Bhutta in Bengali, Makoi in Assamese, Makai in Gujarati, Musukina Jola in Kannada, Cholam in Malayalam, Maka in Marathi, Makaa in Oriya, Iringu in Sinhala, Jola in Tulu and Mokka Jonna in Telugu.
What are the uses of maize?
Maize is used for many different purposes. It is mainly used as fodder for animals, food grain, pop corn, baby corn, sweet corn and green cobs. Corn flour is also widely used. Maize also serves as a basic raw material to thousands of industrial products that may include oil, starch, alcoholic beverages, food sweeteners, pharmaceutical, gum, textile, package, food cereals, cosmetic and paper industries.
What is the nutritional value of maize?
All the types of maize are nutritious and good for human health. Raw, yellow sweet maize karnels are composed of 1% fat, 3% protein, 19% carbohydrates and 76% water, And a serving of 100 gram maize karnels provide about 86 calories and are a very good source of vitamin B, thiamin, niacin, folate and pantothenic acid. They also provide moderate amounts of dietary fiber and some essential minerals such as phosphorus and magnesium.
What are the health benefits of consuming maize/corn?
Consuming maize or corn has some health benefits. Most notable health benefits of consuming maize are mentioned below.
Is maize farming profitable?
Yes, commercial maize farming is a very profitable business. You can start this business for making good profits.
How to start maize farming business?
First of all select a good site for corn/maize farming, prepare the land perfectly, choose the right variety, purchase seends, plant in the field and care for the plants.
How long does maize take to grow?
Depends on the breed. But generally most of the corn varieties become ready for harvesting within 100 days from planting.
How many times is maize planted in a year?
You can take 2-3 crops in a year from the same field.
Is maize a profitable crop?
Yes, commercial maize farming is a profitable business. Demand of maize is very high in the market and the price is also good. So, you can start this business for making profits.
In which month maize is planted?
Depends on your location. For example, if you are from India then Kharif maize is sown in June to July till August and harvested in December.
Does maize need a lot of water?
Yes, maize plants grow very fast and require lots of water.
Which soil is best for maize?
Fertile, well-drained and sandy loam soil is considered as best for maize farming.
What is the correct spacing for maize?
The recommended spacing is 75cm between rows and 25cm for plants.
How do I become a successful maize farmer?
For becoming a successful maize farmer you have to choose a disease resistant and high yielding maize variety. And you also have to take good care of the plants for having good yield.
Which weather is good for maize?
Dry weather is considered best for maize farming business.
Should I water corn every day?
No, you don’t have to water your plants everyday. Watering them once per week will be enough.
How do you increase maize yield?
Apply both organic and chemical fertilizers for increasing maize yield.
What is the best time to fertilize maize?
Fertilize your field when the soil is moist.
What fertilizer does maize need?
Maize plants require a balance of NPK fertilizers. But potassium is the nutrient required in the greatest amount by maize.
How many seeds of maize should be planted per hole?
You should plant 2-3 seeds per hole.
How many maize seeds can you plant per acre?
You will need about 10 kg seeds for planting one acre land.
Can maize be planted all year round?
Yes, maize is now cultivated throughout the year.
How long is the life cycle of maize?
Average lifespan of the maize plants is between 120 and 150 days.
Does maize need full sun?
Yes, the maize plants grow best in full sun.
6 thoughts on “maize farming: business plan and guide for beginners”.
it is very helpful. i would be extremely happy if u continue to send me more information on other commercial crops. i am a young farmer who is now venturing into the business of commercial farming and i would need help to succeed. Please can you send me information on the ready markets for all cash crops in the world. thank you.
Great.good work
Sincerely apprecieted the writer. God Bless you.
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I appreciate your sharing. What type of watering system is good for maize production? Is drip irrigation watering system good for maize farming?
Drip irrigation system is good, but it will be costly for you. Traditional watering system is economical for growing maize. Good luck!
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Corn is one of the most versatile crops, with an enormous variety of uses. It can be eaten fresh or processed into corn oil, cornstarch, and other food additives. Corn has also been used for centuries to make ethanol fuel (although this use is controversial). And there’s also another exciting use: as a raw material in biodegradable plastic production.
Essentially, corn has several uses apart from food and starting a corn farm can be very profitable for you because of how versatile they are. If you want to start a corn farm business, here are some tips to help get started:
Before you can even think of growing your crop, you have to make sure that you are properly registered as a business. Next, you’ll also need to secure the premises where your farm will be set up because it’s important that your crops are protected from pests and other potential dangers. You can start with a smaller operation if you like (such as setting up one truck to deliver fresh corns to local food vendors), but it’s always better to aim big when growing any business.
For most businesses, it’s a great idea to create a business plan. This is even more important when you’re just starting out and growing the business from scratch. If you can’t find out or predict the expected crop yield on your plan, we recommend you use the best crop yield calculator . A business plan covers all the key areas of your business, so it’s a great way to map out exactly what you want to accomplish with this venture. Your business plan will essentially be your roadmap or guide in setting up and running your farm, and it will also serve as an overview of your financial needs for your future operation.
In order to secure funding for your operations , you can contact a local financial institution or apply for a venture capitalist. There are also grants that support small-scale agribusinesses, and if your farm is looking promising, you might be able to get some of those as well. After your funding is in place, you can start buying the equipment and materials that you need to get started. A common mistake new business owners make when applying for a loan is not being prepared. Unfortunately, this often leads to rejection, and it’s a huge barrier when starting out, so you have to be very careful about how you present your business plan.
One of the key factors that you need to take into consideration is the climate where you’ll set up your farm. You should also consider how this will affect your yield and output so that you can plan accordingly. There are different types of corn, with some being more tolerant to a certain climate than others. This is why it’s also important to take into consideration your personal expertise in growing crops. Do you have any experience? What kind of resources do you have access to, like groundwater or irrigation systems? Is the land flat enough for proper drainage? For instance, if the climate will not be conducive for proper farming operations, it might be a good idea to switch to planting crops such as rice or peanuts.
The location of your farm will also play a major role in how successful it is. For instance, if you plan on selling fresh corn to local food vendors, look for areas where there are large concentrations of people and businesses within easy reach. You can also connect with these businesses to see if they’ll be interested in having their supplies delivered to them on a regular basis. Make sure that you have enough land, so you can expand your business without any problems.
Most of all, it’s also important to take into consideration the soil type. Most of the time, it pays to choose quality over quantity when starting out because this will ensure that you get better yields in the long run. If you need help choosing the right land, it’s a good idea to seek out expert advice from people who have done this before, so they can give you tips on what to do and what not to do.
Before you can start planting your crops, you need to get the land ready by tilling it first. Make sure that the soil is loose , so you can easily plant your seeds. Otherwise, this may have a negative impact on your overall output, and you might lose money because of that. You also need to consider whether or not there are enough nutrients in the soil and how acidic it is.
Keep in mind that planting and growing corn isn’t an easy task, and you will need to constantly monitor your crops for any problems or pests that might affect their growth. You’ll also need to make sure they get enough sunlight every day, so they can grow big and strong by getting at least 6 hours of sunlight most days of the week.
The right time to start planting your seeds is usually during the optimum month for growing corn in your location. You should also make sure that you plant them about 1-2 inches deep and at least 18 inches apart from one another. This will ensure a good spacing between plants, so they can grow as big as possible. Keep in mind that corn has a relatively long growing season, which should be around 100-120 days.
It’s a good idea to control pests and diseases by doing an inspection of the land first. You can do this by hiring a private company that offers this kind of service, or getting someone from the local government to inspect the land for you. This will help you keep pests under control before they start spreading to other crops. Either way, it’s important that all these issues are taken care of, so you don’t lose money due to the lack of output.
For anyone who’s looking for a way to make money in today’s world, starting a corn farm business might be a perfect idea. Corn is one of the most popular crops around, and it can serve as an excellent source of income if you know how to grow them correctly. It also doesn’t require much land or start-up capital, which means that nearly everyone has access to this type of opportunity.
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Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 500 entrepreneurs and farm owners create business plans to start and grow their agricultural companies.
If you’re unfamiliar with creating an agriculture or farm business plan, you may think creating one will be a time-consuming and frustrating process. For most entrepreneurs it is, but for you, it won’t be since we’re here to help. We have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you create a good business plan.
In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write an agriculture business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.
Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >
A business plan provides a snapshot of your agricultural business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It is a valuable tool that explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.
If you’re looking to start an agricultural business or grow your existing agricultural company, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your farm to improve your chances of success. Your agricultural business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.
With regard to funding, the main sources of funding for an agricultural business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review a comprehensive business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for agricultural companies.
How to write a business plan for an agricultural business.
If you want to start an agricultural business or expand your current one, you need a business plan. A good farm business plan should include 10 sections as follows:
Company overview, industry analysis, customer analysis, competitive analysis, marketing plan, operations plan, management team, financial plan.
Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan. The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of farm business you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have an agricultural business that you would like to grow, or do you have a farming operation that you would like to sell? Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan.
In your company overview, you will detail the type of agricultural production you are operating.
For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of agricultural businesses:
In addition, the company overview needs to provide information about the business history.
Include answers to questions such as:
In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the agricultural industry. While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.
First, researching the agricultural industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.
Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies industry trends.
The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.
The following questions should be answered in this section:
The customer analysis section must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.
The following are examples of customer segments: individuals, schools, families, and corporations.
As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of agricultural business you operate. Clearly, schools would respond to different marketing promotions than corporations, for example.
Try to break out your target market into segments in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve.
Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target audience. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.
Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your business plan?
With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template , you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!
Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.
Direct competitors are other farms and agricultural producers.
Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. This includes other types of farmers, wholesalers, and distributors.
For each such competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:
With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.
The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:
Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.
Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For an agriculture business, your marketing strategy should include the following:
Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of agricultural company that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you produce fruit, soy, or vegetable products?
Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your plan, you are presenting the products and/or services you offer and their prices.
Place : Place refers to the site of your agricultural company. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your agricultural business located on a small or large farm near your customer base? And, will you operate one or multiple locations? Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.
Promotions : The final part is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:
While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.
Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your farm business, including scheduling employees, tracking inventory, accepting orders and payments, and meeting with customers.
Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to reach your Xth harvest, or when you hope to generate $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your farm business to a new region.
To demonstrate your potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.
Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing agricultural businesses. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.
If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing an agriculture business, or owning their own farm.
Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.
An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.
In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, how many pounds of each crop do you plan to yield each season? And what is your sales strategy to grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.
Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your farm business, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.
Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.
When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a farm business:
Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your farm’s location lease or a list of agricultural equipment and machinery used on your farm.
You can download our farm business plan PDF template here.
Putting together a business plan for your agriculture business will improve your company’s chances of success. The process of developing your plan will help you better understand your target market, your competition, and your customers. You will also gain a marketing plan to better attract and serve customers, an operations plan to focus your efforts, and financial projections that give you goals to strive for and keep your company focused.
Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily write your business plan.
With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!
Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.
Click here to see how Growthink’s business plan professional services can help you create a winning business.
iGrow Corn is your unbiased, research-based guide to corn production, providing the latest recommendations to help increase yield, reduce input costs and protect your investment. This fifty four chapter resource is an essential tool for producers in the Heartland to continue growing the future of the corn industry.
Support for this resource was provided by South Dakota State University, SDSU Extension and the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council.
Special thanks to the editors of this book: David Clay, Gregg Carlson, Sharon Clay and Emmanuel Byamukama.
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Corn or maize is a commercial grain crop globally. Corn farming is a lucrative money-making opportunity for people interested in the farming business. The six major types of corn are dent corn, flint corn, pod corn, popcorn, flour corn, and sweet corn. Find here a detailed corn farming business plan sample checklist for your ready reference.
The United States is the largest maize producer and also has a large surplus, which also makes it the largest maize exporter. Brazil, Ukraine, and Argentina are the other key maize-producing countries behind the USA. The four countries together account for 80-85% of the total exports of maize.
First of all, it is an important staple food for human beings and quality feed for animals. Additionally, corn or maize serves as basic raw material and an ingredient in thousands of industrial products. The list includes starch, oil, protein, alcoholic beverages, food sweeteners, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, film, textile, gum, package, and paper industries, etc.
Things to consider in corn farming, best varieties for corn farming.
Some of the popular Indian varieties are Himalayan 123, Sona, Kisan, Ganga-1, Ganga-101, Ranjit, Ganga-5, Ganga-Safed-2, etc. Additionally, some of the high-yielding varieties are Vijay, Kisan, NLD White, and Naveen.
Suitable soil for corn farming.
You can grow corn successfully in a variety of soils ranging from loamy sand to clay loam. However, soils with good organic matter content having high water holding capacity with neutral pH are good for higher productivity.
1. seed & sowing.
You must select seeds that are insect, pest, and disease-free. In addition, you must procure seeds that are free from weed seeds. Purchase the seeds from reliable sources. Seeds must ensure high germination percentage.
The rate of nutrient application depends mainly on soil nutrient status/balance and cropping system. For obtaining desirable yields, the doses of applied nutrients should be matched with the soil supplying capacity and plant demand by keeping in view the preceding crop (cropping system). Therefore, you must go for a site-specific nutrient management approach.
4. weed control, 5. corn plant protection.
Leaf blight is the potential disease of corn. And you must be careful about that. Additionally, some of the potential harmful pests are stem borers, red hairy caterpillars, Aphids, grasshoppers, and termites. Arrange the specific plant protection resources for your corn farm.
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Unlock the potential of sustainable agriculture with our comprehensive business plan template, designed to guide you through six essential chapters that detail your innovative farming operation. In a world increasingly driven by eco-conscious choices, having a well-structured business plan is crucial for attracting investors and establishing your market presence. Our template highlights the lucrative prospects of the niche, projecting profitability and steady returns for business owners committed to sustainable practices. With an initial funding requirement of $1.5 million, your journey toward becoming a leader in eco-friendly corn production can begin with confidence. Build your business strategy today with our template and pave the way for a successful future in responsible agriculture, while making a meaningful impact on both local communities and the environment.
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Company description.
Golden Acres Corn Cultivation is a sustainable and eco-friendly corn farming operation based in Ames, Iowa. Leveraging innovative farming techniques and a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, the company aims to become a recognized leader in the production of high-quality organic and conventional corn. Golden Acres' primary focus is on cultivating and supplying a diverse range of corn products to meet the growing demand from local grocery stores, health food retailers, and strategic partners in the bioplastic and biofuel industries.
Driven by its mission to contribute to the local economy and create job opportunities, Golden Acres is poised to establish a loyal customer base through direct-to-consumer sales channels, as well as secure long-term contracts with key industry players. By continuously investing in the latest farming technologies and sustainable practices, the company is committed to delivering exceptional products while minimizing its environmental impact, setting it apart from traditional corn producers.
The agricultural industry faces a persistent challenge in meeting the growing demand for sustainably grown , high-quality corn products. Consumers are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their food choices and seek organic , non-GMO , and locally sourced options. Similarly, industries such as bioplastics and biofuels require eco-friendly raw materials to support their sustainability initiatives. However, the current corn production landscape is dominated by unsustainable practices that deplete soil health, contribute to water pollution, and reduce biodiversity, leading to long-term environmental degradation. By addressing these critical gaps in the market, Golden Acres Corn Cultivation aims to establish itself as a leader in eco-friendly and responsible corn production , offering a solution that benefits both consumers and industries in need of sustainable agricultural products.
Golden Acres Corn Cultivation offers a comprehensive and sustainable solution to address the growing demand for high-quality, eco-friendly corn. Our farm specializes in the cultivation of both organic and conventional corn , leveraging state-of-the-art farming technologies and natural practices to optimize yield and minimize environmental impact. At the core of our solution is a commitment to sustainable agriculture , which includes advanced crop management techniques, eco-friendly practices, product diversity, and a strong commitment to the local community .
Golden Acres is committed to cultivating high-quality, sustainable corn that nourishes our community and planet. Through innovative farming practices and a deep respect for the environment, we strive to be a leader in eco-friendly agriculture, contributing to the local economy and creating meaningful jobs. Our mission is to provide our customers with the finest organic and conventional corn products , while upholding the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility.
The key success factors that will drive the growth and sustainability of Golden Acres Corn Cultivation include:
Golden Acres Corn Cultivation is poised to achieve strong financial performance, with a focus on sustainable growth and profitability. The following table outlines the projected financial metrics for the next three years:
Ratio | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
---|---|---|---|
Projected Revenue | $2.5 million | $3.2 million | $4.1 million |
Projected Profitability | 15% | 18% | 20% |
Expected ROI | 12% | 15% | 18% |
To achieve these financial goals, Golden Acres Corn Cultivation requires $1.5 million in initial funding, which will be used to acquire land, invest in sustainable farming equipment, and build a strong operational infrastructure. The company anticipates a return on investment (ROI) of up to 18% by 2026 , making it an attractive opportunity for potential investors.
The financial outlook for Golden Acres Corn Cultivation is promising, with a clear path to profitability and long-term sustainability.
To launch and scale Golden Acres Corn Cultivation, we require a total funding of $1,500,000 to cover essential business operations and drive strategic growth initiatives.
Categories | Amount, USD |
---|---|
Land Acquisition and Site Preparation | $500,000 |
Farm Equipment and Technology | $350,000 |
Organic and Conventional Seed Inventory | $75,000 |
Initial Operational Expenses (1 year) | $250,000 |
Marketing and Branding | $100,000 |
Staffing and Training | $150,000 |
Contingency Fund | $75,000 |
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This is a very well constructed template.
Whether it’s your first turn at planting corn or you are an experienced producer who could use a brush-up on the basics, here are a few tips to consider.
Row spacing and seeding rate, when to plant, using the right equipment, planting day, stand assessments.
The first step in successful corn planting is understanding the land. Soil type matters, as does slope and drainage of the field.
Flatlands are more suited to strip tillage that will aid in soil warming and drying, compared to sloped fields that are more suited to a no-till approach, according to Mark Licht, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach cropping systems specialist. Corn can be planted directly into no tilled residue if the field is well drained with at least a 5% slope. Flat areas with prairie potholes that can pond excessively in heavy rains simply may not be suitable for corn production.
The next step is choosing the right seed . There are many varieties on the market, all developed with different goals in mind. If planting early, a full maturity variety will allow for early season vigor and quick fall dry down. If planting is late, an earlier maturity variety is desired to wrap up the growing season before fall.
You may want a trait package that includes herbicide or insecticide or choose a more conventional variety and make applications as the season dictates.
Picking a seed company is part of the decision. Some companies give a discount for quantity if you buy all your seed in a given year from them. Others may give a loyalty discount if you buy from them year after year. One of the advantages of consistently buying from the same company is familiarity with the product line-up. That may help navigate the overwhelming number of options, especially for the new producer.
Debate about the advantages of a 20-inch or 30-inch row is ongoing and depends in part on the hybrid genetics of your seed. Your seed salesmen can be of assistance in advising you as to row spacing and expected seed rate response.
Licht says 33,000-38,000 seeds per acre is an ideal range for much of the Midwest. A higher rate may maximize yield, but a lower rate may be more economical when factoring in the cost of seed. Watch the season-long weather report. Plant lighter in a dry season so there is less competition for moisture. In a wetter year, you can bump up your rate.
Some old farmers may tell you it's time to plant corn when the oak leaves are the size of squirrel's ears. Others are married to a particular date no matter what or just want to beat their neighbor to the field. But Licht says there are more reliable ways to determine the right time for planting.
Soil temperatures need to be at least 50°F. with a 5- to 14-day warming trend ahead. Field moisture needs to be adequate to germinate the seed, but not so wet it hampers plant emergence or vigor or causes equipment to create unnecessary compaction.
Federal crop insurance dictates when you can start planting in your state and qualify for the program. In Iowa, it is April 11.
Licht says many producers get into more trouble on the second field they plant. “They wait and follow directions on the first field, then the spring rains come, and they see a two-day window, so they hit the second field too soon. When you think you're ready, wait another one-half day. You'll be better off.”
Today's 24-plus-row planters finish the job much faster than some expect, so don't panic over the passing rainy days. Licht says you will start to see yield declines if you're not done by May 11, though those declines are not significant until around May 20.
The large planter is ideal for large fields with no fencerows, but it is not for everyone or every farm. Be sure to choose the right size planter for the size of your operation and your landscape. Licht says a standard planter from your dealer will generally suffice, at least to start. Various attachments, like row cleaners, starter fertilizer, and insecticide delivery systems can be added later.
“Make sure your planter can move residue out of the row, and the depth gauge wheels work properly,” he says. Just the right amount of down pressure is needed to plant effectively without causing compaction, and that varies according to soil type and organic matter.
Soil fertility will determine whether or not to apply a starter fertilizer when planting, so it is important to know your soil test levels.
Set up your planter with your desired seeding rate and make sure it is set for the right seed depth. Licht recommends 2 inches. “If it's dry, that's deep enough to get moisture. If it's wet, it can get out of the ground rapidly.”
As you are planting, make sure you get the furrow closed and you are not creating sidewall compaction. Licht recommends getting out of the tractor every four to six hours to evaluate how the planter is performing. Settings that worked one day, or in the early morning, may not be as effective after temps and breezes have warmed and dried the soil.
Once the field is planted and the corn is growing, be sure to check the emerging corn and count the plant population. Are there doubles? Is the seed spacing what it should be? Are there skips? Why?
Understanding what you have will help you manage potential problems through the growing season. Weak root systems from compaction can lead to lodging in heavy winds, and a sparse stand is open to weed competition. So, walk your field, evaluate your work, plan how to manage your crop, and make adjustments for next year.
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Hazelnut trees and tall grasses grow in the chicken paddocks at the Organic Compound, a farm in Faribault, Minnesota. Wil Crombie / Organic Compound
By practicing agroforestry — growing trees alongside crops and livestock, for example — farmers can improve soils, produce nutrient-rich foods, and build resilience to climate change. Now, a movement is emerging to bring this approach to the depleted lands of the Corn Belt.
By Tom Philpott • September 10, 2024
Drive through rural Minnesota in high summer and you’ll take in a view that dominates nearly the entire U.S. Midwest: an emerald sea of ripening corn and soybeans. But on a small operation called Salvatierra, 40 minutes south of Minneapolis, Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin is trying something different. When he bought the land in 2020, this 18-acre patch had been devoted for decades to the region’s most prevalent crops. The soil was so depleted, Haslett-Marroquin says, he thought of it as a “corn and soybean desert.” Soon after, he applied 13 tons of compost, sowed a mix of prairie grasses and rye, and planted 8,200 hazelnut saplings.
While he won’t reap a nut harvest until 2025, the farmer and Guatemalan immigrant doesn’t have to wait to make money from the land. He also runs flocks of chickens in narrow grassy paddocks between the rows of the fledging trees, where they hunt for insects and also munch on feed made from organic corn and soybeans, which they transform into manure that fertilizes the trees and forage.
Salvatierra is the latest addition to Tree-Range Farms, a cooperative network of 19 poultry farms cofounded in 2022 by Haslett-Marroquin. Chickens evolved from birds known as junglefowl in the forests of South Asia, he notes, and the co-op’s goal is to conjure that jungle-like habitat. Chickens crave shade and fear open spaces; trees shelter them from weather and hide them from predators. In 2021, Haslett-Marroquin’s nonprofit, Regenerative Agriculture Alliance, purchased a poultry slaughterhouse just south of the Minnesota border in Stacyville, Iowa, where farms in the Tree-Range network process their birds. You can find the meat in natural-food stores from the Twin Cities area to northern Iowa.
The USDA has launched a $60-million effort to expand agroforestry production and markets in the central and eastern U.S.
By combining food-bearing trees and shrubs with poultry production, Haslett-Marroquin and his peers are practicing what is known as agroforestry — an ancient practice that intertwines annual and perennial agriculture. Other forms include alley cropping, in which annual crops including grains, legumes, and vegetables grow between rows of food-bearing trees, and silvopasture, which features cattle munching grass between the rows.
Agroforestry was largely abandoned in the United States after the nation’s westward expansion in the 19 th century. In the 2022 Agricultural Census, just 1.7 percent of U.S. farmers reported integrating trees into crop and livestock operations. But it’s widely practiced across the globe, particularly in Southeast Asia and Central and South America. According to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, 43 percent of all agricultural land globally includes agroforestry features.
Bringing trees to the region now known as the Corn Belt, known for its industrial-scale agriculture and largely devoid of perennial crops, might seem like the height of folly. On closer inspection, however, agroforestry systems like Haslett-Marroquin’s might be a crucial strategy for both preserving and revitalizing one of the globe’s most important farming regions. And while the corn-soybean duopoly that holds sway in the U.S. heartland produces mainly feed for livestock and ethanol, agroforestry can deliver a broader variety of nutrient-dense foods, like nuts and fruit, even as it diversifies farmer income away from the volatile global livestock-feed market. In recognition of this potential, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in late 2022, launched a $60 million grant program to help farmers adopt such practices.
Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin at his first farm, Finca Marisol, in Northfield, Minnesota. Leia Marasovich / Farmer’s Footprint
For decades, Midwestern farmers have devoted tens of millions of acres to just two crops, leaving the ground largely unprotected from wind and rain between harvest and planting. As a result, the loamy trove of topsoil that settlers found there has been pillaged. Using satellite imagery, a team of University of Massachusetts researchers has calculated that a third of the land in the present-day Corn Belt has completely lost its layer of carbon-rich soil. And what’s left is washing away at least 25 times faster than it naturally replenishes. As prime topsoil vanishes, farmers become more dependent on fertilizers derived from fossil fuel.
Not surprisingly, given those applications, the Corn Belt is also in the midst of a burgeoning water-pollution crisis, as agrichemicals and manure from crowded livestock confinements leach away from farm fields and into streams and aquifers. In other words, our breadbasket is a basket case. As University of Washington geomorphologist David Montgomery noted in his magisterial 2007 book Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations , “With just a couple feet of soil standing between prosperity and desolation, civilizations that plow through their soil vanish.”
Trees actually have a much longer and more robust history in the Midwestern landscape than do annual crops.
Breaking up the corn and soybean rotation with trees — and freeing some farm animals from vast indoor facilities to roam between rows, where their manure can be taken up by crops — could go a long way to addressing these crises, experts say. Trees actually have a much longer and more robust history in the Midwestern landscape than do annual crops. Think of the Midwestern countryside before U.S. settlers arrived, and you might picture lush grasses and flowers swaying in the wind. That vision is largely accurate, but it’s incomplete. Amid the tall-grass prairies and wetlands, oak trees once dotted landscapes from the shores of Lake Michigan through swathes of present-day Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri, clear down to the Mexican border. These trees didn’t clump together in dense forests with closed canopies but rather in what ecologists call savannas — patches of grassland interspersed with oaks. Within these oak savannas, which were interlaced with prairies, tree crowns covered between 10 percent and 30 percent of the ground. They were essentially a transition between the tight deciduous forests of the East and the fully open grasslands further west.
And in the region where Haslett-Marroquin farms — part of the so-called Driftless Area, which was never glaciated — trees proliferated even more intensely. In pre-settlement times, according to a 2014 analysis coauthored by Iowa State University ecologist Lisa Schulte Moore, closed-canopy forests of oaks, sugar maples, and other species covered 15.3 percent of the area, and woodlands (low-density forests) took up another 8.6 percent. Prairies — the ecosystem we readily imagine — composed just 6.9 percent. Oak savannas made up the rest.
Corn grows between rows of walnut trees at the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station. Shibu Jose / University of Missouri
In the Driftless and in the rest of the Midwest, Native Americans played an active role in managing savannas, prairies, and forests, where they harvested nutrient-dense acorns for food and other uses. Everything began to change in the mid-19 th century, when settlers evicted or killed most of the original inhabitants, drained wetlands, razed trees for lumber, and ripped into the land with plows. In place of staggering biodiversity, an agricultural empire of row crops arose, tended with the tools of modern engineering and industry: genetically modified seeds, insect- and weed-killing chemicals, synthetic and mined fertilizers, and massive tractors and combines. Oak savannas, meanwhile, have been vanishing from the landscape. Today, they occupy a mere 0.02 percent of their historic Midwestern range.
For most of the past century, any push to return trees to the Corn Belt centered on ecosystem services, not food production. Planting trees along streams and rivers — creating what’s known as riparian buffers — helps filter agrichemical runoff and improve water quality. Then there are “wind breaks,” stands of trees strategically placed to shelter crops from wind.
But these practices remain rare, in part because they are marginalized by federal farm policies that reward maximizing the production of corn and soybeans, with subsidized crop insurance and price supports, and disincentivize planting alternative crops.
Trees could play a much bigger role and, once established, could more than pay their way by delivering cash crops. A 2018 paper by University of Illinois researchers found that black walnut trees placed in rows between fields of corn and soybeans (alley cropping) would deliver more profits to landowners than field-crop-only farming on nearly a quarter of the Corn Belt’s land.
An acre of land under agroforestry can sequester five tons of carbon annually, versus one ton for an acre of corn or soybeans.
Haslett-Marroquin and his fellow poultry farmers aren’t the only ones hoping to reimagine agriculture in the Corn Belt by reinstating the role of trees. The Savanna Institute, founded in 2013 by a group of farmers and academic researchers at a gathering in Illinois, promotes agroforestry in the region. Its funders include the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other government agencies, environmental foundations, and business interests including Patagonia and the family behind Clif Bar. In addition to operating demonstration farms in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan, run in partnership with landowners, the Institute trains and places apprentices on farms that mix trees with crops or livestock. At the 250-acre Hawkeye Buffalo & Cattle Ranch in northeast Iowa, for example, the McFarland family sells grass-fed beef and bison meat from animals raised on restored oak savanna. The other “apprenticeship” farms are smaller operations.
Fred Iutzi, the institute’s director of agroforestry innovation, says an arboreal revival throughout the region would make it more resilient to climate change. Tree canopies buffer soil from the impact of heavy rain, and their roots plunge deep beneath the soil surface and fan out laterally, further holding soil in place. They suck up nutrients all year long, keeping excess fertilizer and manure from leaching away and polluting water. Trees shield crops and soil from the wind. And they both build carbon in the soil as their leaves drop and decompose and store it in their roots, trunks, and branches. Altogether, Iutzi says, an acre of land under agroforestry can sequester five tons of carbon annually, versus about one ton for an acre of corn or soybeans under optimal conditions, which include reducing tillage and planting off-season cover crops.
Cattle graze among trees in Marshall, Texas. USDA-NRCS
While practices like alley cropping and silvopasture are eligible for support from USDA conservation programs, they haven’t been widely adopted. A recent study co-authored by Trent Ford, the Illinois state climatologist, found that between 2017 and 2023, the USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program doled out just $900,000 to support agroforestry practices in the Corn Belt, a sliver of its overall budget.
But more money is on the way. In 2022, as part of its $3.1 billion Partnership for Climate Smart Commodities program, the USDA announced a $60-million five-year effort to expand agroforestry production and markets in the central and eastern regions of the United States, plus Hawaii. Managed by The Nature Conversancy in partnership with the Savanna Institute and other groups, the project’s goal is 30,000 new acres of agroforestry by 2026, says TNC’s Audrey Epp Schmidt, who leads the project. So far, 35 projects have been selected for funding, eight in the Corn Belt.
For now, an agroforestry renaissance remains at a nascent phase, Epp Schmidt says, “but there’s a ton of momentum, there’s a historic amount of resources and opportunities for folks to get into it.” What the movement needs, she says, is a farmer-to-farmer network: “That’s really when this is going to take off — when farmers see the success of their neighbor’s [agroforestry] operations.”
It’s impossible to say what type of event would force farmers to drastically change course in the Corn Belt.
Even so, the Corn Belt will be a tough nut to crack, says Silvia Secchi, a natural resource economist at the University of Iowa. Such expenditures, while important, will struggle to overcome the formidable inertia of corn and soybeans. The proximate reason is the subsidies that keep the region’s farmers afloat even as their soil washes away. But ultimately, she says, farmers in the region “strive to be as simple as possible and as mechanized as possible” — a mindset that favors focusing on two cash crops instead of a more complex, labor-intensive approach, like agroforestry.
Yet Iutzi remains hopeful. In the 1920s, he says, the idea of a federal farm policy centered on soil conservation seemed beyond the realm of possibility. Then came the Dust Bowl, a severe soil-erosion crisis that triggered New Deal legislation that, for a time, tempered overproduction of farm commodities and held soil in place.
It’s impossible to say precisely what type of event would force policymakers and farmers to drastically change course in the Corn Belt. But as the region’s vast corn and soybean operations continue hemorrhaging soil and fouling water and climate change proceeds apace, they may find themselves looking for new directions sooner than later. Iutzi thinks projects like Tree Range Farms could show the way forward. “History is just absolutely peppered with this pattern of big disruptions of one kind or another being the catalyst for big change,” he says. “And it’s ideas that are really well honed, when the time comes, that really surge.”
With co2 levels rising, world’s drylands are turning green.
By Fred Pearce
How an el niño-driven drought brought hunger to southern africa.
By Jenipher Changwanda and Freddie Clayton
Food & agriculture, biodiversity, with hotter, drier weather, california’s joshua trees are in trouble, e360 film contest winner, a solitary herder cares for his goats and the bay area hills, as ‘doomsday’ glacier melts, can an artificial barrier save it, e360 film contest, for 60,000 years, australia’s first nations have put fire to good use, faced with heavier rains, cities scramble to control polluted runoff, in montana’s northern plains, swift foxes are back from the brink, as canadian river shrivels, northern communities call for a highway, in warming world, global heat deaths are grossly undercounted, the ‘internet of animals’ could transform what we know about wildlife, grim dilemma: should we kill one owl species to save another, on gulf coast, an activist rallies her community against gas exports.
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Embarking on a corn farming venture requires meticulous planning and preparation. Before drafting your business plan, ensure you've meticulously assessed your farming expertise, analyzed the local market, and secured essential resources.This comprehensive 9-step checklist will guide you through the critical pre-planning phase, setting the stage for a successful corn farming enterprise.
A Sample Maize Farming Business Plan Template. 1. Industry Overview. Businesses in the maize (corn) farming industry primarily grow corn (except sweet corn) and produce corn seeds. Corn commonly refers to the grains or kernels of the tall annual cereal grass Zea mays, and it is a staple cereal in many parts of the world.
Step 1: Identify target market and demand. The first step in creating a business plan is to identify your target market and understand the demand for corn in various sectors. Conduct thorough market research to determine who your potential buyers are and their specific needs. Step 2: Conduct market research.
Starting Maize Farming Business Plan (PDF) Maize, also known as corn, is one of the most notable grain or cereal crops in the world. After all, maize is a core part in the production of important products. Examples of such products are food products, ethanol, and livestock feeds, amongst others. The widespread cultivation of maize is due to ...
3. The products and services section. The products and services section of your business plan should include a detailed description of the offerings that your company provides to its customers. For example, your maize farm could offer fresh, locally-grown maize to customers looking for high-quality produce.
Welcome to our blog post on how to write a business plan for corn production using the contract farming model. With corn production being a key industry in the United States, it's important for aspiring corn growers to have a solid plan in place to ensure success. According to the latest statistics, the corn production industry in the U.S. has been experiencing steady growth, with a total of ...
You'll probably want to include each of these sections: 1. Executive summary. An overview of your agriculture business, with a brief description of your products or services, your legal structure, and a snapshot of your future plans. While it's the first part of the plan, it's often easier to write your executive summary last. Brought to ...
Sample Business Plan For Farms & Agricultural Businesses. Executive Summary - The Executive Summary is the most important part of your business plan. It is a brief description of your farm, its products and services, potential market opportunity, and competitive advantage. Company Overview - Also called the Company Analysis, here, you will ...
Let's go through the content of each section in more detail! 1. The executive summary. The first section of your grain farm's business plan is the executive summary which provides, as its name suggests, an enticing summary of your plan which should hook the reader and make them want to know more about your business.
Cornell Small Farms Program Online Course BF 202: Business Planning. The Cornell Small Farms Program offers 20+ online courses every year on many topics related to the production and business sides of farming. Most are taught by Cornell Cooperative Extension educators. BF 202 is a 6-week course that will guide you through the process of writing ...
Don't let that put you off. Your plan can be as simple as it needs to be for right now. Begin with your mission statement and goals. Do your homework by analyzing markets and researching ...
Step 4: Select A Good Location. First of all, select a good location for maize farming. Maize plants grow well in fertile soil with pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. They can be grown on wide range of soil types including loamy, sandy loamy or clay loam soil (heavy clay soil is not good for maize farming).
Farm Business Planning. Farm Business Planning is key to beginning farmer success. It helps beginning farmers: Plan for the economic sustainability of a new farm enterprise. Obtain funding to purchase land, equipment and other resources from lending institutions, investors and/or grant making agencies. Articulate what their farm will look like.
Our Business Plan for Corn Farming offers a comprehensive guide to maximize profitability and market presence. With advanced seed technology, efficient farming practices, and strategic marketing strategies, our plan will help you capitalize on the increasing demand for high-quality corn crops. Get your Corn Farming Business Plan in Word here.
A business plan covers all the key areas of your business, so it's a great way to map out exactly what you want to accomplish with this venture. ... For anyone who's looking for a way to make money in today's world, starting a corn farm business might be a perfect idea. Corn is one of the most popular crops around, and it can serve as an ...
Agriculture Business Plan. Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 500 entrepreneurs and farm owners create business plans to start and grow their agricultural companies. If you're unfamiliar with creating an agriculture or farm business plan, you may think creating one will be a time-consuming and frustrating process.
SDSU Extension. iGrow Corn is your unbiased, research-based guide to corn production, providing the latest recommendations to help increase yield, reduce input costs and protect your investment. This fifty four chapter resource is an essential tool for producers in the Heartland to continue growing the future of the corn industry.
Purpose of Workbook. This workbook is designed to provide an outline for developing a business plan for your agricultural business. Each section contains an explanation, example and space for you to begin developing a business plan. There are numerous resources pertaining to the development of business plans available; it is the hope of the ...
Basically, it highly depends on the specific region and the reason for growth. Here we have compiled a list of popular corn varieties. Butter and Sugar. 73 days. Bicolor white and yellow kernels, good flavor; 7 to 8-inch ears. Resists bacterial wilt and southern corn leaf blight. Golden Cross Bantam. 85 days.
Estimating total crop revenue. The 2020 Iowa trendline corn yield is about 198 bushels per acre. Multiply this times the average $3.20 per bushel. That's a crop revenue of $633.60 per acre. Add the $95-per-acre average government payments for a total crop revenue $728.60 per acre. If you subtract the average non-land cost and cash rent ...
Total: $352 $218. ADD TO CART. Golden Acres Corn Cultivation is a sustainable and eco-friendly corn farming operation based in Ames, Iowa. Leveraging innovative farming techniques and a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, the company aims to become a recognized leader in the production of high-quality organic and conventional corn.
How to Plant Corn. When farmers are itching to get into the fields to plant, it's important to remember that soil temperatures should be at 50°F. for a strong start for corn seed germination. Corn planting time all depends on the seed variety being planted and, of course, weather conditions. Corn planting depth is another important factor to ...
Planting day. Set up your planter with your desired seeding rate and make sure it is set for the right seed depth. Licht recommends 2 inches. "If it's dry, that's deep enough to get moisture. If it's wet, it can get out of the ground rapidly.".
Even so, the Corn Belt will be a tough nut to crack, says Silvia Secchi, a natural resource economist at the University of Iowa. Such expenditures, while important, will struggle to overcome the formidable inertia of corn and soybeans. The proximate reason is the subsidies that keep the region's farmers afloat even as their soil washes away.