1. Managing In Tough Times “Bits & Tips” Using Financial Records to Measure Farm Profitability

2. Farm Financial Records Many benefits of maintaining accurate farm financial records. Profitability is key to sustaining the business into the future. – Net Farm Income – Rate of Return on Farm Assets – Rate of Return on Farm Equity

3. Net Farm Income Net Farm income is the difference between income and expenses. Net farm income will provide a snapshot of the short-term profitability of the farming operation.

4. Return on Farm Assets (ROA) A way to evaluate the rate of return on all farm assets, including land, livestock, equipment, facilities, etc. To calculate Return on Assets: – Add net farm income and farm interest expense – Estimate and subtract the value of operator and unpaid family labor – This figure is then divided by the average total farm assets for the year. (Farm assets can be valued at cost or at current market value)

5. Rate of Return on Farm Assets 8%--strong measure 4% or below--reason to reassess your current enterprise selection A higher ROA signifies a more profitable farm. You want your rate of return on assets to exceed your current average interest rate on borrowed capital.

6. Return on Farm Equity (ROE) ROE measures your return on the equity in your farm business, compared to ROA, measures the return on your total farm assets. ROE provides 2 useful pieces of information: – Helps identify if and by how much your farm net worth is increasing. – It allows you to compare the interest rate you are earning based on your investment in the farm to other rates of return.

7. Calculating Rate of Return on Farm Equity Subtract the estimated value of operator and unpaid family labor from net farm income. Divide this total by farm net worth. In general, you have a healthy farm operation if your rate of return on farm equity is higher than the interest rates being charged by lenders.

8. Evaluating Rate of Return on Farm Equity The interpretation can be misleading. A high rate of return is normally associated with a more profitable farm business but it can also signify that the business is highly- leveraged or carrying a large debt load. High levels of debt increasing the owner’s risk.