Farm Management
AgCentric Farm Agency offers professional farm management services to fit your needs. We provide services to a variety of clients from individuals, to trusts, estates, corporations, and partnership land owners. Today’s agriculture is an increasingly complicated business and can be difficult to navigate. Production practices constantly change with new technology and commodity markets are extremely volatile. Government programs present a myriad of rules, regulations and requirements to obtain the benefits. Profit margins are narrow and cost control is crucial. Now more than ever, success in agriculture requires a wide spectrum of knowedge on these issues. We work in these areas every day and have the experience to help you realize your goals of farm ownership. We currently manage over 30,000 acres of land in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Minnesota. Our clients are located throughout the United States, as well as abroad. AgCentric Farm Agency provides a complete management program to maximize the return from your land. Our management activities include:
Analysis
Recommended method of operation
Our farm management services begin with a complete analysis of the farm. We evaluate various methods of operation (i.e. crop share rent, cash rent, guaranteed bushel lease, or custom farming) and recommend the method that is consistent with your goals and objectives. Our recommendations include crop rotations, fertility, seed and pest control programs, and possible improvements.
Lease terms are reviewed on an annual basis and recommendations are made for any lease changes prior to the legal termination date. We assist in selection of the farm operator when necessary and conduct all negotiations. All leases or custom farming agreements with the farm operator are in writing, and all operating arrangements are subject to your approval.
Planning
Crop Production
Our crop production planning provides our clients with a comprehensive plan formulated each fall and winter for the following crop year. This plan will include consideration of the acreage of each crop, seed varieties to be used, soil fertility programs, as well as weed and pest control programs. It also includes a budget for the coming year. The plans are made jointly with the farm operator and provided to you for review and approval. For cash rented farms, we review and approve the operator’s plan to make sure they are appropriate and will maintain or enhance the productive capacity of the farm.
Direction
Analyze Government Programs
We stay vigilant in changes in USDA farm programs and complete the paperwork process required to participate in these programs. We also monitor legislation that affects farming and correspond with legislators to place the concerns of rural agricultural community at the forefront of the representatives that influence the decisions made at the state and federal level.
Reporting
Farm Inspections and Comprehensive Reports
During the growing season, we provide periodic farm inspection and consultations with the farm operator to ensure that plans are implemented correctly and in a timely manner. We check plant populations, crop development, weed and pest control, and improvement projects that are in progress. We provide regular reports of these conditions to you and advise of any necessary changes in plans.
Accounting
Complete accounting of income & expenses
Our accounting function includes collection of farm income, payment of farm expenses, and complete reporting of all financial activity. We provide quarterly reports of receipts and disbursements and an annual income statement. Funds being held for future expenses can be invested in a money market savings account. We take advantage of volume and cash discounts and can obtain discounted prices for many items.
Marketing
Farm product marketing
We constantly monitor and analyze the grain markets. We can utilize cash sales, cash forward contracts, basis contracts, options, and futures hedges to take advantage of profitable selling opportunities.
Security
Peace of mind
Perhaps the most valuable service we offer is peace of mind for our clients. Knowing that your property is in the hands of experienced professionals is an invaluable asset.