Five key actions for livestock and crop producers this autumn

The fall season is a critical time for livestock and crop producers to prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead. In this article, we outline five key actions that can position your farm for success in 2025.

Ready to prepare for the future? Keep reading to learn how.

With the arrival of shorter days and crisp fall breezes, producers start focusing on winter and preparing for the next production season. Fall is the ideal time to evaluate the past year, make important decisions, and position your farming operation for success in 2025.

Here are five key steps you can take to ensure you’re ready for the challenges and opportunities of the next year:

1. Analyze your 2024 profitability

With calves weaned and crops harvested, it’s time to assess your profitability for the year.

While year-end financial statements likely won't be ready for another six to eight months, there are resources and tools — like our Profit Snapshot — that can give you an early look at how your farm has performed over the production year. This early analysis helps farm operators understand their profitability for the year, which enables informed decisions for marketing, pre-purchasing of inputs, equipment and land acquisitions, and land rent.

By the time fall rolls around, these tools can provide solid numbers based on actual outcomes, so you can make important management decisions during the cold, dark winter months.

2. Update your tax planning and bookkeeping

Autumn is the perfect time to sit down with your accountant to discuss tax planning strategies before year-end.

By catching up on your bookkeeping now, you’ll be better positioned to manage tax obligations, detail any potential savings, and avoid surprises when tax season arrives.

Additionally, use this time to update your financial records, so that tax planning is accurate and effective.

3. Evaluate cashflow and marketing decisions

Should you sell your calves, or hold and feed them? Is it better to sell or store your grain?

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