Items by Kayla Brashears | KFBM Area Extension Specialist
Average KFBM Net Farm Income Dips Negative for the First Time in Decades
By Kayla Brashears | KFBM Area Extension Specialist
Published on Jul. 30, 2025
For the first time since the 1980s, the average Net Farm Income (NFI) among Kentucky Farm Business Management (KFBM) cooperators has fallen below zero, closing the production year at an average of ($20,522). This dramatic shift is a sharp reversal from the record high NFI in 2021 of $871,325.
What to Do When You Don’t Have Enough Money
By Kayla Brashears | KFBM Area Extension Specialist
Published on Jul. 30, 2024
Several years ago, I wrote an article for the Economic & Policy Update, “What to do When You Have Too Much Money.” We’re having a full circle moment due to the volatility of the agriculture industry as Kentucky farms are experiencing a slide in profitability from the booming 2020, 2021, and 2022 crop years.
Should You Pay Your Kids to Work on the Farm?
By Kayla Brashears | KFBM Area Extension Specialist
Published on Jun. 27, 2024
Even in the year 2024, farming tends to be a family affair. The late nights and subsequent long hours can mean the most promising way to spend family time is by spending it together in the field or on the ranch.
Secrets of Successful Farm Managers
By Kayla Brashears | KFBM Area Extension Specialist
Published on Nov. 29, 2023
After spending over a decade analyzing a plethora of farm operations, I’ve learned a few things about what makes an operation successful. There isn’t a hidden formula anyone can follow to become successful, but there are best practices that operations can implement to position themselves favorably.
Can I Afford to Buy A Farm?
By Kayla Brashears | KFBM Area Extension Specialist
Published on Aug. 29, 2023
A goal of many pursuing the American dream is home ownership. Similarly, the goal of a farmer is often to become a landowner. Like single-family residences, the financial decision to purchase farmland is clouded by emotional, social, and familial influences.
Relating Farm Financial Terms to Real Life
By Kayla Brashears | KFBM Area Extension Specialist
Published on Aug. 30, 2022
A producer that works with any type of lending institution may hear their lender use words like liquidity, solvency, and profitability. Their banker may tell them their Term Debt Coverage Ratio is less than 1:1, so the new farm purchase is off the table. A producer may know that their Debt-to-Worth is good or their Current Ratio is bad.
Building a Farm Balance Sheet
By Kayla Brashears | KFBM Area Extension Specialist
Published on Nov. 23, 2021
As December 31 approaches, producers should work towards developing a quality balance sheet. Doing so is critical to measure business growth year over year, liquidity, solvency, and borrowing power.
Understanding Commodity Wages
By Kayla Brashears | KFBM Area Extension Specialist
Published on Oct. 29, 2020
When it comes to paying employees, agriculture producers have a unique flexibility in compensation options that is not available to all employers. Commodity wages are a way to compensate employees without the obligation of many payroll taxes.