Financial Consulting and Transition Planning

Financial Consulting Handout

Transition Planning Handout​​

The Wisconsin Farm Center has financial experts who are trained to help farmers navigate the financial challenges that come with farming. Our experts can assist with the following:​    ​

Cash Flow and Enterprise Analysis​

Our financial consultants can perform a variety of cash flow and enterprise analyses as part of a feasibility study, expansion plan or restructuring strategy and use that data to help farmers make difficult decisions. This analysis can also help in preparing for mediation with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and other lenders and/or applications for new FSA and convention farm loans. Once an analysis is complete, cash flow projections can be created that will help the farmer look into the future of the business and en​sure that operational changes during an expansion and restructuring project will have positive results.​​

Feasibility Analysis​

The feasibility analysis is needed prior to creating a business plan and is designed to explore the viability of changes to a current operation including expansion, modernization of facilities or other changes.

Debt Analysis and Restructuring​
Our experts are able to analyze debt, interest rates and repayment amounts to determine and recommended restructuring options.​

Farm Management
​​​​Putting together a top team of professional consultants is critical to today's successful farm business. Our experts can help guide the farmer throug​h the process of hiring consultants and provide access to an experienced group of volunteer advi​sors who can provide as​sistance in many subject areas.


The Farmer's Job Hunting Workbook

Many farmers face situations that force them to consider new approaches to their professional lives and agriculture businesses. In farming, these chang​es may require seeking outside employment to supplement farm income or even changing careers. 

This workbook takes you from the starting point of “thinking about change" all the way ​to identifying steps and implementation. Where you begin is up to you! Work at your own pace, and use its tools, worksheets and advice in order to best meet your unique needs.

​Full Workbook 

Chapter 1: Change  |  Chapter 2: Starting the Journey  |  Chapter 3: Personal Inventory 
Chapter 4: Finding a Job  |  Chapter 5: Applying for a Job  |  Chapter 6: Interviews & Following Up  |  Appendix​


​Additional Resources

Wisconsin Farm Center Homepage

Wisconsin Farm Center Contact Information

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The Farm Center is not limited to in-house resources to help farmers analyze the financial aspects of their business. Other resources include:

Center for Dairy Profitability​
Conducts education programs and developmental research through business management, production systems, and marketing techniques for the enhancement of dairy profitability.

U.S. Department of Agriculture-Farm Service Agency​ 
Offers loan programs for farmers and administers other federal programs.

Wisconsin Housing and Economic​Development Authority
Provides loan and financial planning programs for agricultural producers.

Wisconsin ​Economic Development Corporation​
Offers several loan and financial planning programs for Wisconsin agribusinesses.

Wisconsin Small Business Administration
District office of U.S. Small Business Administration has a variety of financial information and loan programs for farmers and ag-related businesses.