Country farm management and business management is the management of all aspects of a farm operation with a view to maximising income and profit. It is a difficult task that requires a broad range of economic, technical and human analytical and conceptual skills. The difficulty is that the result of any decision is based on conditions which cannot be predicted or guaranteed and requires flexibility in the face of uncertainty.
Business management and farming go hand in hand and those who are successful in farming must be able to think about both sides. For instance, he or is required to plan production in accordance with the market price and climate conditions whilst at the same being a successful financial manager, planning how to raise funds for the business in the future, and monitoring progress towards the goals that are set.
It is crucial that the owner earns enough income from other sources to cover operating expenses and provide a safety cover in the event of unexpected circumstances or emergencies. Additionally, adequate public facilities must be provided to accommodate customers and visitors (e.g. Parking signage, education and customer service are all crucial.
Many farms and ranches provide an educational experience for visitors which focuses on food and fiber production as well as land stewardship and the history of agriculture. This is a fantastic way to draw and keep customers and is usually well-received by the public. It could be possible to receive funding from a state or local agency to help cover the costs of education.