No matter how well you budget or how efficiently you manage your farm business, there may be periods in which cash flow is negative. No one knows for sure when these periods will occur, and how long they will last, but every operation should have a financial contingency plan to provide for unexpected cash-flow shortfalls.

When summer temperatures soar and farm work must get done, remember to keep a cool head and be mindful of the symptoms of heat-related illnesses. It helps to know the warning signs and treatments.