Farm Winter Checklist

The off season is not a reason to disconnect.  'Tis the season to connect, build relationships, be accessible and stay relevant.  Here are a few items to consider for a successful season ahead:

• Evaluate your overall farm strategy!
  • Analyze what worked and/or did not work.
  • Determine what changes, if any, are necessary for the upcoming season/year.
• Measure your Return on Investment.
  • Check your numbers!
    • Did you keep records? If not, here’s an important change to make for the upcoming season!
  • Was your season profitable?
  • What were your most profitable crops or enterprise?
  • Are there crops you should consider growing for the upcoming season?
  • What market(s) should you add or eliminate, if any?
• Analyze your marketing strategy.
  • Did you have a plan to target new customers? Was it successful?
    • If not, what changes do you need to make?
  • Did you have a plan that targeted existing customers? Were you successful?
    • If not, what are the necessary changes to ensure repeat/loyal customers?
• Are you considering new customers and markets for the upcoming season?
  • Utilize your off-season to identify the characteristics of your potential customers.
    • Consider customer demographic categories. Gender, age, race, employment status, household income, marital status, children, location, etc.
  • Determine the appropriate marketing channel(s) for your operation.
    • What market(s) will provide the greatest return on investment?
    • Do you have the resources to supply this market?
• Do you have an online presence (website or social media)?
  • Take advantage of this time to engage with your online audience. 
    • Keep in mind, customer engagement & relationship building, builds customer loyalty.
  • Use your website and social media platforms to stay relevant and reachable!
  • If you sell your products online, take the time to update product list, product information, pictures, and so forth.
• Take care of the Taxes
  • Use the new 2020 W-4 Form for all new employees and those who are making changes to their federal withholding amounts in 2020.
  • Do a “paycheck checkup” on federal income tax withheld from off-farm income (and encourage your employees to do the same!). https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator
  • File informational returns with the IRS and supply copies to income recipients, such as independent contractors you did business with and employees who worked for you in 2019. https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/information-return-reporting
  • Pay estimated tax (if applicable) and file by the appropriate deadline. https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040sf.pdf
• Renew Business Permits and Licenses.
  • https://www.agriculture.nh.gov/divisions/regulatory-services/index.htm
    • https://www.agriculture.nh.gov/licensees/index.htm
  • https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/fp/index.htm
  • https://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/dmv/registration/index.htm
• Take the time to make repairs to farm machinery and equipment.