Farm management functions are generally described as planning, implementation and
control. While planning, managers focus on mission/vision/goals for the business,
projected financial statements, enterprise budgets, whole-farm planning, market planning,
investment and financial planning, tax considerations, farm business entities, and
risk management. The implementation stage addresses acquiring and managing resources,
including land, labor, management, and capital assets such as breeding livestock,
machinery and equipment. Strategies for acquisition range from purchases with outside
financing to leasing to custom hiring. The control process involves developing and
maintaining a farm information system but also production, market and financial controls.
OSU Fact Sheets and departmental publications address many of these topics. Tabs at left provide additional information on specific
topics and programs.