Financial, Guest Blog, Recordkeeping
Brent Lackey
Tax Time for Farmers

Tax season doesn't have to be stressful — with the right approach, it can be a year-round strategy that sets you up for success. In our latest blog, the UK Department of Agricultural Economics break down essential tax tips, key filing updates, and smart planning strategies for farmers and small business owners, including disaster-related extensions for Kentucky, new 1099-K rules, and options for livestock sales and asset depreciation. Stay organized, stay ahead, and start building a smoother path to your future tax filings today!

Tax Time for Farmers
Financial, Education, Business Development, Recordkeeping
Brent Lackey
Understanding Your Financial Health: Advanced ...

As we gear up for the 2025 season, effective recordkeeping is key to understanding your business's financial health and driving growth. This blog explores advanced methods, from cloud-based software to industry-specific tools, to help you track finances, analyze key metrics, and make informed decisions. Mastering recordkeeping will set your business up for success in the year ahead.

In case you missed it, check out our Recordkeeping 101 blog post to get caught up on this series.

Understanding Your Financial Health: Advanced Recordkeeping Tips for 2025
Education, Financial, Marketing
Brent Lackey
Farmers Market Pricing Strategies: Balancing ...

Struggling to price your products at the farmers market? It’s a balancing act between attracting customers and ensuring profitability. From calculating your costs to understanding market trends and perceived value, this post breaks down key steps to help you set the perfect price. Ready to optimize your pricing strategy? Read on for tips that will boost your sales and sustain your business!

Farmers Market Pricing Strategies: Balancing Customer Appeal and Profitability
Funding, Grants, Education
Brent Lackey
USDA Contract Freezes: What Farmers Need to ...

With the uncertainty of USDA contracts and funding while federal programs are being reviewed by the new administration and some programs being canceled, it is important for producers and organizations to understand their rights and key timelines. Farm Commons has recently published a resource aimed at helping producers navigate this situation.  Key points from this resource are summarized in this post.

USDA Contract Freezes: What Farmers Need to Know and How to Take Action
Business Development, Education, KCARD Services
Brent Lackey
The Power of Business Planning: Building a ...

Starting or growing a business is an exciting journey filled with opportunities and challenges. Whether you’re launching a startup, expanding an existing operation, or simply rethinking your strategies, it’s always helpful to have a well-thought-out business plan. This document isn’t just a formality—it’s a foundational step that can turn your vision into reality while ensuring you stay on track to achieve your goals. 

The Power of Business Planning: Building a Roadmap for Success

Financial

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Tax Time for Farmers

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Tax Time for Farmers

Tax season doesn't have to be stressful — with the right approach, it can be a year-round strategy that sets you up for success. In our latest blog, the UK Department of Agricultural Economics break down essential tax tips, key filing updates, and smart planning strategies for farmers and small business owners, including disaster-related extensions for Kentucky, new 1099-K rules, and options for livestock sales and asset depreciation. Stay organized, stay ahead, and start building a smoother path to your future tax filings today!

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Understanding Your Financial Health: Advanced Recordkeeping Tips for 2025

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Understanding Your Financial Health: Advanced Recordkeeping Tips for 2025

As we gear up for the 2025 season, effective recordkeeping is key to understanding your business's financial health and driving growth. This blog explores advanced methods, from cloud-based software to industry-specific tools, to help you track finances, analyze key metrics, and make informed decisions. Mastering recordkeeping will set your business up for success in the year ahead.

In case you missed it, check out our Recordkeeping 101 blog post to get caught up on this series.

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Farmers Market Pricing Strategies: Balancing Customer Appeal and Profitability

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Farmers Market Pricing Strategies: Balancing Customer Appeal and Profitability

Struggling to price your products at the farmers market? It’s a balancing act between attracting customers and ensuring profitability. From calculating your costs to understanding market trends and perceived value, this post breaks down key steps to help you set the perfect price. Ready to optimize your pricing strategy? Read on for tips that will boost your sales and sustain your business!

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USDA Value-Added Producer Grant: Overview and Program Changes

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USDA Value-Added Producer Grant: Overview and Program Changes

The USDA’s Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program is a cornerstone for farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers who wish to diversify their operations and expand their value-added products. For the current 2025 cycle and future cycles, there are some significant changes that you need to know if you’re interested in applying.  

New Requirement for Businesses Registered with the Secretary of State: Beneficial Ownership Information

New Requirement for Businesses Registered with the Secretary of State: Beneficial Ownership Information

Businesses registered with the Secretary of State (such as LLCs or corporations) are now required to report Beneficial Ownership Information. As of December 26, 2024, the deadline for BOI filing has been suspended until further notice. However, the report is expected to be required in the future. We recommend voluntarily completing the report to avoid having to monitor future deadline updates.

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Unlock New Opportunities with KCARD's Farm Diversification Workshop

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Unlock New Opportunities with KCARD's Farm Diversification Workshop

KCARD will be hosting a Planning for Farm Diversification workshop on October 22 in Murray, KY to assist agricultural producers who are transitioning out of dark tobacco and diversifying their farming operations with produce or raising livestock for value-added products. The workshops will provide information on business planning, marketing, produce safety practices, and production resources.  

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How and Why to Pay Yourself as the Business Owner

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How and Why to Pay Yourself as the Business Owner

Farmers and business owners often don’t pay themselves a consistent wage/salary for a number of reasons, although they are contributing a lot of sweat equity to the business. Check out this post to learn more about how and why you should consider paying yourself as the owner of the business.

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Farm Financing 101: How to Prepare for Getting a Loan

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Farm Financing 101: How to Prepare for Getting a Loan

Getting a loan to purchase a farm, or an operating loan, can seem like a challenging task. Farmers often have questions about what information they’ll need to have to successfully obtain a loan, how long the process will take, and more. Check out these tips on ways to prepare for getting a farm loan.

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It's All About the Numbers: Why Financial Projections are Important for Your Business

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It's All About the Numbers: Why Financial Projections are Important for Your Business

The off season is a great time to take a look at your business’s financials! One of the pieces of advice we often tell agribusinesses is to “own your numbers”. As a business, you should understand your income and expenses, and know where the numbers on your financial statements came from.  Check out this post to understand what financial statements KCARD can help with and why financial projections are important for your business.

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New Year, New Habits

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New Year, New Habits

The beginning of a new year is often spent reflecting on the past year and planning for what is to come. We often make New Year’s resolutions to form new habits focused on our health and wellness; here are six habits that focus on improving the health and wellness of your business.  

About KCARD

The Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development is a non-profit organization established to facilitate agricultural and rural businesses in Kentucky. We are supported primarily through grants provided by the USDA Rural Cooperative Development Program and the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board. Additional support is provided through our work with partners around the state and through fees charged for select client services.

Contact Us

411 Ring Road
Elizabethtown, KY 42701

p: (859) 550-3972
f: (888) 319-4962

kcard@kcard.info