Beginning Farmers DEMaND (Developing and Educating Managers and New Decision-makers)

The Beginning Farmers DEMaND series is a line of publications from Michigan State University Extension. These publications are designed to help beginning farmers learn about financial and business management strategies that will assist them in developing into the next managers and decision-makers on the farm.

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Bulletins are published periodically during the year. If you’re interested in having the latest DEMaND series bulletins sent directly to your email, sign up today to be on our mailing list.

DEMaND Series Bulletins

E-3412 Introduction to Fertilizer Planning

Published on January 8, 2021
This publication explores the process of creating a fertilizer plan.
Bulletin E-3422 Introduction to Zoning and Taxation

Published on September 2, 2020
A bulletin by MSU Extension's Beginning Farmer DEMaND Series that provides an introductory explanation of property rights and protections, regulations, and liabilities associated with real property ownership in Michigan.
Bulletin E-3409 Sharpening the Saw: Keeping Yourself Business Sharp

Published on June 24, 2020
A bulletin by MSU Extension's Beginning Farmer DEMaND Series describing how to sharpen the mind to help beginning farmers increase the probability that they will succeed in the short and long term of their farm businesses.
Bulletin E-3411: Introduction to Cost of Production and Its Uses

Published on April 20, 2020
A bulletin by MSU Extension's Beginning Farmer DEMaND Series that describes how to identify the farm's cost of production and its role in decision-making for farm managers.
Bulletin E-3410: Understanding Enterprise Budgets and Economic Profit

Published on February 5, 2020
A bulletin by MSU Extension's Beginning Farmer DEMaND Series focusing on the use of enterprise budgets to help beginning farmers obtain a firm grasp on revenues, expenses, and profitability.
Bulletin E-3408: From Bursting with Ideas to Developing a Plan

Published on December 11, 2019
A bulletin by MSU Extension's Beginning Farmer DEMaND Series with suggestions to help beginning farmers organize their ideas and turn them into a plan of action.
Bulletin E-3407: How to Motivate Your Lender to Say, “Yes”

Published on July 31, 2019
A bulletin by MSU Extension's Beginning Farmer DEMaND Series with suggestions to help beginning farmer understand the lending process in order to obtain farm financing.
Bulletin E-3406: Transitioning From Labor Force to Decision-Maker

Published on May 30, 2019
A bulletin by MSU Extension's Beginning Farmer DEMaND Series with suggestions to help beginning farmer transition to becoming a decision-maker on the farm.

DEMaND Series Articles

Introduction to fertilizer planning for beginning farmers

Published on January 18, 2021
A detailed fertilizer plan helps to meet the nutrient needs of your crop at the lowest possible cost.
Beginning farmers DEMaND: resources for new farm managers

Published on November 12, 2020
For beginning farmers, knowing how to manage through roadblocks is often one of their greatest challenges.
What is the lender looking for?

Published on June 11, 2020
How to take charge of the loan approval process.
Introduction to cost of production and its uses part 4

Published on April 15, 2020
Part 4: Agronomic & nutritional inputs
Introduction to cost of production and its uses part 5

Published on April 15, 2020
Part 5: Marketing and break-evens
Introduction to cost of production and its uses part 2

Published on April 15, 2020
Part 2: Fixed costs
Introduction to cost of production and its uses part 6

Published on April 15, 2020
Part 6: Financial costs & farm records
Introduction to cost of production and its uses part 1

Published on April 15, 2020
Part 1: Variable costs
Introduction to cost of production and its uses part 3

Published on April 15, 2020
Part 3: Direct vs variable and fixed costs
Beginning Farmers DEMaND

Published on March 23, 2020
Introducing the Beginning Farmers DEMaND (Developing and Educating Managers and New Decision-makers) series.
Understanding enterprise budgets and economic profit

Published on February 12, 2020
Learn how enterprise works and how it will affect your farm and future.

MSU Extension Farm Management