There are many factors to consider before starting a new farm enterprise. Financial management is an important component in the startup and decision-making processes for beginning farmers. The purpose of this series of publications is to inform Virginia agribusiness owners and managers about farm financial risk management tools, techniques, and resources available to help them prepare and use a financial systems approach for their operations.

There are many factors to consider before starting a new farm enterprise. Financial management is an important component in the startup and decision-making processes for beginning farmers. The purpose of this series of publications is to inform Virginia agribusiness owners and managers about farm financial risk management tools, techniques, and resources available to help them prepare and use a financial systems approach for their operations.

The purpose of this publication is to help improve buyer understanding of retail meat and poultry product labels using text and infographics. Each infographic contains basic facts and straightforward definitions of common words and phrases included on labels used on meat and poultry products found in grocery stores nationwide.

This publication and an accompanying publication provide information to help consumers understand and interpret labels on meat and poultry products, and help producers understand how they may use labels to differentiate their products and increase their profit margins. The labels discussed in this publication are specific to certain types of meat (beef and lamb) and poultry.

Where do you stand financially? Have your finances improved since last year? How much money did you spend last year, and on what? Are you using too much credit? If you have trouble answering these questions, you need to organize your records and measure your financial health.

Where do you stand financially? Have your finances improved since last year? How much money did you spend last year, and on what? Are you using too much credit? If you have trouble answering these questions, you need to organize your records and measure your financial health. Tracking your financial health is as important to your well-being as taking care of your physical health. As part of the Your Financial Health series, this publication will help you interpret your Balance Sheets and Cash Flow Statements and utilize several financial management ratios that will help you understand and assess the state of your financial health. For a review of balance sheets and cash flow statements, see VCE publications Your Financial Health – Balance Sheets and Your Financial Health – Cash Flow Statements.

Where do you stand financially? Have your finances improved since last year? How much money did you spend last year, and on what? Are you using too much credit? If you have trouble answering these questions, you need to organize your records and measure your financial health.

On June 25, 2020, Virginia Cooperative Extension hosted a webinar featuring 5 speakers from USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Richmond. The speakers provided an overview of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), information on eligibility and aid available for producers of various crops, and the importance of record keeping.

This short report summarizes a survey conducted to gauge the impacts of COVID-19 on Virginia farms and agribusinesses.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become an increasingly important component of modern business strategy as consumers, communities, and regulators place greater emphasis on ethical and environmental performance. This Virginia Cooperative Extension publication provides an economic overview of CSR, defining the concept and explaining why firms may voluntarily engage in socially responsible practices that go beyond legal or market requirements. Drawing on economic research, the publication discusses how CSR can influence profitability, consumer demand, employee loyalty, regulatory relationships, and community goodwill, while also highlighting the limitations and risks of unsustainable or profit‑sacrificing activities. The publication is intended to support informed decision‑making by agribusiness owners, farm operators, and business managers considering CSR as part of a broader business strategy.

Consumer demand for food grown using sustainable farm practices is at an all-time high (Nielsen, 2018). This is compelling farmers to explore various options to improve sustainability.

This publication explains how producers and sellers can implement effective pricing strategies based on market structure and competition. It distinguishes between price discovery markets and price setting markets, outlining how competition, product differentiation, branding, transportation costs, and perishability influence pricing decisions. The publication also discusses marketing margins, vertical integration, contracting, and marketing-pricing alternatives that can help businesses improve profitability, manage risk, increase market share, and enhance long-term business performance. It provides practical guidance for agricultural producers and other sellers seeking to develop informed pricing strategies in competitive and noncompetitive markets.

The federal crop insurance program is managed by the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA). The crop insurance program helps to protect producers against low-revenue years. This publication provides a basic overview of the federal crop insurance policies available in Virginia and links to additional information about crop insurance policies.

This publication explains genetically modified organisms (GMOs), bioengineered foods, and non-GMO labeling in the United States, providing a practical overview for farmers, food producers, agribusiness professionals, and consumers. It outlines the science and purpose of genetic modification, discusses potential benefits and public concerns, and details requirements under the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS), including labeling thresholds, exemptions, compliance options, and enforcement procedures. The publication also compares U.S. regulations with international GMO labeling policies and clarifies the differences between mandatory bioengineered disclosures and voluntary non-GMO claims, helping stakeholders navigate evolving food labeling standards and market expectations.

VCE AG TODAY is a weekly webinar that provides updates on agricultural practices. If you have any questions, please reach out to your local Extension office or visit www.ext.vt.edu. Presenter: Robert Harper, VA Farm Bureau Grain Division

VCE AG TODAY is a weekly webinar that provides updates on agricultural practices.