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Starting a farm business takes vision, energy, and a lot of hard work. For beginning farmers, the months leading into fall are some of the most important of the year. Whether you’re managing a small-scale farm, a CSA, or a dairy farm, fall is the season to pause, reflect, and plan ahead.

This is your chance to evaluate what’s working, fix what isn’t, and get a jump on next year’s growing season. From financial management to soil planning, here’s what every new farmer should focus on before fall arrives.

1. Reflect on the Season

Before you rush into prepping for fall, take a step back and look at your year so far. What crops or livestock performed well? Where did you run into problems? What would you do differently next season?

Ask yourself:

• Did I meet my cash flow needs?
• Did I have enough labor or technical assistance?
• Were pests, weather, or equipment breakdowns a major issue?
• Did I stay on top of bookkeeping and budgeting?

Keeping track of both your wins and your stressors will give you valuable insight—and help you build a more sustainable farm operation going forward.

2. Update Your Business Plan

If you’re like most beginning farmers, your original business plan was based on projections. Now, after a season or two of hands-on experience, you’ve got real-world data to help shape your goals.

Before fall hits:

• Revisit your farm income and expenses.
• Adjust production plans for crops or livestock that didn’t perform.
• Consider new markets, such as farmers markets, value-added goods, or community supported agriculture (CSA).
• Plan for changes in inputs or supply chains.

Updating your plan helps you better manage your farm business and makes it easier to apply for USDA or Farm Service Agency (FSA) loan programs or grants.