Farm Business & Financial Management
Farm Record Keeping System Setup Guide
A guide to setting up a farm record keeping system, from choosing methods to building habits. For owners starting fresh or fixing a messy set of books.
GuideFarm Business & Financial ManagementFree PDF
The steps on this page
- Decide what records you need and why
- Choose paper, spreadsheet or software
- Separate farm and personal accounts
- Set up a chart of accounts
- Create folders for receipts and papers
- Pick a regular time to record entries
- Reconcile with bank statements
- Back up your records
- Review with your tax preparer
How to use this guide
Read the steps once through before you start, then keep the page nearby while you work. Use the notes lines to add what your own setup needs.
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 IRS.
For more in this area, see the farm money and loan guides. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Dairy Farm Calf Barn Ventilation Gets Fresh Air System; Farmer Still Breathes Tractor Exhaust, and agribusiness farm stories.