While I could go with the ordinary list of things like global events, market volatility, geopolitical issues, global economics and poor financial records, the things that really keep me awake at night fall more into the symptoms or characteristics of what leads to financial issues on a farm. Let’s take a look at a few that top my list.

In the realm of capital and collateral, the appraised value of dairy real estate, including specialized facilities, takes on great importance.

When evaluating new loan requests or reviewing existing credit, various factors come into play, each holding significance. These factors are commonly referred to as the 5 C's of finance: character, capital, capacity, conditions and collateral. Meeting the standards set for these factors is essential for obtaining approval.

The underlying factor when trying to make big decisions on whether to build a freestall barn, heifer shed, new parlor or that new robot barn is what it will be worth once it is erected and operational.

For your operation to survive the lean times and grow in the good times, you need a quality relationship with your lender – not a transactional one.

On your mark, get set .... so you'll be ready to go with your application for funding through Idaho's WQPA program.

Leveraging funds provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Center for Dairy Excellence offers several grant programs throughout the year to help drive profitability, efficiency and growth on Pennsylvania dairy farms.