Business and Marketing

Farms and ranches are businesses. In order to operate a sustainable farming and ranching operation, you will have to understand the many components of running a business.

This includes planning, financial management, recordkeeping, marketing, legal considerations, and more.

Here you will find practical resources that provide guidance on business and marketing. From whole-farm planning, financial management, accessing new markets, and other farm-business topics.   

Marty Holman works the computer in his outdoor office on Holman’s Harvest Farms in Loxahatchee Groves, Florida, February 25, 2021. Holman raises chickens, cattle, vegetable, and tropical fruit on his 15 acres. USDA/FPAC photo by Preston Keres

Featured Topics

AGRITOURISM

A customer picks blackberries at a u-pick farm.

CROP INSURANCE

Close up of a Montana farm field

DISASTER

Black Angus in a flooded Montana field

FARM LAW

farmer standing in field, from back

FARMERS MARKETS

people walking on a street between farmers market stands

FINANCING

farmers looking at a document

GRANT PROGRAMS

Dew drops sit on leaves

RISK MANAGEMENT

An aerial view of farmland

VALUE-ADDED AGRICULTURE

ATTRA’s Business and Marketing Resources

Lesson 6. Expanding Your Markets

In this video, Mary Ellis, the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program…

Lesson 5. Creating a Winning Display

In this video, Tammy Howard, a Horticulture Specialist with the…

Lesson 4. Pricing Strategies for Vendors

In this video, Tammy Howard, a Horticulture Specialist with the…
Shoppers at a farmers market.USDA Photo by Lance Cheung.

Lesson 3. Working with Your Farmers Market Manager

In this video, Omar Rodriguez, a Sustainable Agriculture Specialist…
tomatoes, peppers, and other produce arranged on tables at a farmers market

Lesson 2. Setting Yourself Apart

In this video, Mary Ellis, the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program…
Vegetables (onions and squash) displayed at a farmers market with price signsUSDA photo by Ed Ragland.

Lesson 1. Are Farmers Markets Right For You?

In this video, Tammy Howard, a Horticulture Specialist with the…
Farmers market vendors

Farmers Market Pricing Strategies for Vendors

By Tammy Howard, NCAT Agriculture Specialist Farmers markets…
Pastured laying hens at Fifth Crow Farm.

Improving Poultry Profitability–Production and Economics Are Like Two Strong Wings

By Ann Baier, NCAT Agriculture Specialist “If I work really…

Episode 288. Using the Abundant Montana Local Food Directory as a Marketing Strategy

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Horticulture Specialist…
mixed produce including carrots, peppers, purple cabbage, cauliflower, and more

Financing an Organic Farm with Federal Programs

Starting a farm can be tough, especially if you don't have cash…

Drought and Disaster Resources for Texas Producers

vegetables in basket

The Internal GAP Audit: General Questions

Every GAP audit will have a section on general questions that…
winter vineyard with alternate alleys disked to protect the soil resource

Life-Cycle Assessment in Agricultural Systems

Standard Operating Procedures for a Profitable Farm Business