If you read the title of this blog and thought, “I’ve been thinking about plans for 2022 for several months already,” then nice work!

However, it’s more likely that with all the work that needs to be done at harvest, good intentions to start 2022 planning can quickly go out the window – and then not return until fall field work is complete, perhaps far into December, or maybe even January.

Most farm leaders probably find themselves in that second group. It can be challenging to start thinking about next year’s crop plans and financial plans when the current year’s harvest is still coming in from the field.

Moving forward

Many farmers feel they need the current crop year’s results in hand – both production-wise and financially – before they can take a good look at plans for the next year. But it’s a key mental pivot to make because you can really lose out on key opportunities if you aren’t looking a little further ahead than most farmers.

For example, sometimes there are opportunities to save money on inputs if you purchase them earlier, such as discounts on seed or fertilizer. The operation can also potentially benefit from a marketing plan that looks further into the future during an earlier timeframe, as well.

Getting into it

Here are a couple ways to shift now toward thinking about your 2022 financial plans.

Think markets

Make sure to also consider your farm’s marketing plans specifically – and whether you have a marketing plan and strategy in place for your 2022 crop.

Our team of market advisors partner with and bring education around different marketing tools. They help farmer clients with creating plans and with execution around marketing decisions.

Get a free two-week trial of our marketing information service (MarketView Basic). Your trial includes regular audio and video updates, technical analysis, recommendations and more. Or learn more about our market advisor programs and offerings at www.waterstreetconsulting,com.

The opinions of the author are not necessarily those of Farm Futures or Farm Progress.