Farmer Resources
This page contains information on the steps of beginning a farm, production planning, starting a new enterprise, and business development. Search through the categories below to explore the wide range of resources designed specifically to make your farm run more smoothly and become more profitable.
Additionally, Cultivate KC provides one-on-one assistance for local farmers and offers consultations to organizations involved in food projects.
CONTACT US FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Beginning a Farm
When beginning a Farm, it is important to establish a baseline of information regarding soil type, history, and nutrition. If you are breaking out new land or growing in a new location, it is helpful to understand past uses of that land.
Explore the resources below to get started.
Property History
Obtaining Property Information and Site History- This document from K-State Extension guides you through how to obtain property history on land that you own or are considering buying.
Soil Contaminant Implications of Past Property Usage- This document from K-State Extension gives examples of the types of minerals and chemicals that could pose a contamination threat in your soil.
AgSite Assessment Tool– Use this website to learn more about your land’s geomorphology. The AgSite Assessment includes data about: soils, streams, wetlands, ponds, watersheds, floodplains, Karst geology, legal description, and threatened and endangered species.
Soil Testing
Soil testing is an important resource for landowners to determine what nutrients and/or contaminants are in their soil. If you have not had a soil test before, it is an important baseline to start with for all your soil amendments. It is also important to retest every few years.
Soil Testing by State:
Soil Health Test Bucket Provides Insight to Ecological Context – Borrow this resource for free from Douglas Co Extension. Operate field tests of water infiltration and aggregate stability which help qualitatively indicate your soil health and organic matter.
Production Planning
Production Planning Tools
SeedLinked – Explore and search seed varieties or run trials through SeedLinked. Seeds are tested based on yield, appearance, flavor, disease resistance, and earliness.
Seed Starting Calculator – Calculate when to start seeds with this tool from Johnny’s.
Farm Hack – Forum and blog for advice and DIY tool recommendations.
Seed Cost Calculator – Looking for the best deal on seeds this year, but struggling with how seed companies offer seed by the ounce, gram and count? Try this handy Seed Cost Calculator to easily compare prices and get the most for your dollar.
Recommended Seed Varieties
Nutrient Recommendations
Always follow the 4Rs of nutrient application: right place, right time, right rate, and right source.
Farm Business Planning
Business Tools
EPA’s Urban Farm Business Plan Handbook – A thorough guide to beginning a farm business.
Prosperity Partners – Free consultation on a range of farming topics through American Farmland Trust. Get assistance with accessing working capital and ensuring compliance with government programs.
Farm Commons – Provides peer support on common farm legal questions. Search through existing discussion topics or create your own. Search their free library of legal resources related to business, land, products, insurance, and policy.
AgPlan – This site will walk you through the process of developing a business plan through customized assistance and templates. AgPlan helps connect business owners with educators and advisors that aide in developing a business plan.
Kansas City Business Navigation Hubs
KCSourceLink – Receive free, personalized support for your business, whether you’re just starting out or wanting to grow.
KC BizCare – Your one-stop shop for permitting and registration information for KCMO.
The Toolbox KC – Free resource for planning, registering, funding, operating, and growing your business in Wyandotte County, KS. All services also available in Spanish.
Loans & Financial Assistance
- Farm Service Agency Loans & Loan Assistance Tool
- Young, Beginning, & Small Farmers – Loans – FCS Financial
- USDA Urban Agriculture Programs at a Glance
- KIVA Kansas City 0% interest Loans
- MoBuck$ Beginning Farmer and Farming Operation Loans
- Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) | Farm Service Agency
Cottage Laws by State
Labor and Equipment Cost Calculators – These tools from University of Vermont will help you determine if you are fiscally ready to hire employees or purchase pieces of equipment.
MU Extension Farm Accounting tools – Download free record keeping templates and financial analysis tools specific to farming enterprises.
MU Extension Specialty Crop Budgets – Download free interactive budget templates for a variety of crops and growing techniques.
