Master farm financials with K-State's enhanced online course

By Scout Nelson

Farming requires not just a green thumb but also a knack for numbers. Kansas State University's Agricultural Economics Department understands this and has refreshed its "Finances and the Farm" online course.

Designed for both novice and experienced farmers, this course provides essential tools to manage and improve the financial health of agricultural operations.

The course comprises seven detailed lessons covering essential financial topics like Recordkeeping, Balance Sheets, Income Statements, Enterprise Budgeting, Cash Flow Management, Managing Family Living Expenses, and Goal Setting.

These lessons are crafted to give participants a thorough understanding of financial documents and strategies crucial for running a successful farm.

The interactive format of the course includes short instructional videos, hands-on reviews, and practical activities.

It features quizzes that use case studies from two types of farms—Row Crops and Beef Cattle, and Vegetable, Egg, and Honeybee Farms—to help participants apply what they've learned directly to real-world scenarios.

This method ensures that the theoretical knowledge gained through videos is effectively translated into practical skills.

The course is self-paced, allowing up to six months for completion, although a more focused schedule of 2-4 weeks is recommended for the best learning outcome.

Participants are provided with both paper sheets and digital resources like Excel documents to develop their own financial statements, further personalizing the learning experience.

The cost of the course is set at $100 for educational access only, and $300 for those seeking to earn Farm Service Agency borrower’s training financial credit. This credit is available in several states, enhancing the course's accessibility and utility.

Participants will not only receive a certificate but also gain confidence in their ability to make informed financial decisions to steer their farm towards profitability and sustainability.

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