Farm Business & Financial Management
Farm Budget vs. Actual Comparison Worksheet
A worksheet for comparing budgeted figures with actual results by category. Helps farm owners find where the plan was off and what to adjust. It is written in plain language for everyday farm use.
WorksheetFarm Business & Financial ManagementFree PDF
What you fill in
- Period being compared here
- Income lines budgeted and actual
- Expense lines budgeted and actual
- Differences by line
- Reasons for large differences
- Items out of your control
- Items you can change
- Budget changes to make
- Follow-up date and owner
How to use this worksheet
Fill it out in pencil first, check the numbers against your records, then ink it. Make a fresh copy for each field, pen or enterprise.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with eXtension and USDA Economic Research Service.
For more in this area, see the farm finance explained. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Farm Wedding Costs $18,000; Farmer Offers Actual Rust for Free, and agribusiness farm stories.