Browsing by Author "Mark, Allyssa"
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- Effects of Farm and Household Decisions on Labor Allocation and Profitability of Beginning Vegetable Farms in Virginia: a Linear Programming ModelMark, Allyssa (Virginia Tech, 2016-05-17)The United States is facing a rising average age of principal farm operators and a decline in number of beginning farmers. With numerous barriers and challenges resulting in many farm failures, a majority of beginning farmers are relying on off-farm income to support their households. Decision-making and farm business planning are difficult skills to develop and improve, and the ability to develop a plan to balance on- and off-farm labor could allow farmers to make more profitable decisions. In this study, a General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS) is used to develop a labor management planning framework for use by Virginia's beginning vegetable farmers or service providers, such as extension agents, with the goal of improving total (on- and off-farm) profitability and farm viability. Study findings suggest that a willingness to work of 12 hours per day, 365 days per year and hired labor costs of $9.30 per hour, which is the national average for agricultural workers encourage a farmer to maintain an off-farm job, while a relatively lower off-farm wage or salary may encourage a farmer to work on the farm only. Lastly, higher hired labor costs may encourage a farmer to pursue his or her most profitable work opportunity, be it on- or off-farm, without hiring labor to maintain the farm. The model developed in this study may be used to plan multiple years of farm management to include anticipated changes in off-farm employment opportunities, land availability, product mix, and access to farm labor. The author suggests that beginning farmers who use this planning tool are able to make more informed decisions related to allocation of labor time and resources, resulting in lower failure rates for beginning farmers in Virginia. A user-friendly interface may be developed based on the study framework, to strengthen the results and increase the practicality of the tool.
- Farm Financial Risk Management Series Part I: Overview of Financial Systems for New and Beginning FarmersMorgan, Kimberly L.; Callan, Peter L.; Mark, Allyssa; Niewolny, Kimberly L.; Nartea, Theresa J.; Scott, Kelli H.; Hilleary, Jim (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2016-12-09)Discusses decision-making process in relation to financial assessment and risk-taking. Discusses the importance of creating financial statements and planning budgets.
- Farm Financial Risk Management Series Part II: Introduction of Financial Systems for New and Beginning FarmersMorgan, Kim O.; Callan, Peter L.; Mark, Allyssa; Niewolny, Kimberly L.; Nartea, Theresa J.; Scott, Kelli H.; Hilleary, Jim (2016-10-19)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 the farm financial risk management tools, techniques, and resources available to help them prepare and use a financial systems approach for their operations. This publication introduces the four financial statements that farm managers can use to record and assess historical farm financial performance. The topics covered in this resource are not all-inclusive, but after reading this publication, beginning farmers should be prepared to move forward in planning for their farms. The accompanying parts in the series are “Farm Financial Risk Management Series Part I: Overview of Financial Statements for New and Beginning Farmers” (Virginia Cooperative Extension publication AAEC-114P), and “Farm Financial Risk Management Series Part III: Introduction to Farm Planning Budgets” (VCE publication AAEC-116P). A compilation of excellent resources that includes examples, how-to videos, and training resources is included in the appendix at the end of this publication. For questions about this particular risk management issue or other farm startup topics, contact the local Virginia Cooperative Extension office or visit the Virginia Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coalition Program website at www. vabeginningfarmer.org.
- Farm Financial Risk Management Series Part III: Introduction to Farm Planning Budgets for New and Beginning FarmersMorgan, Kimberly L.; Callan, Peter L.; Mark, Allyssa; Niewolny, Kimberly L.; Nartea, Theresa J.; Scott, Kelli H.; Hilleary, Jim (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2016-10-19)Provides information that can help beginning farmers with understanding the importance of constructing financial statements and planning a budget.
- Introduction to labor issues for beginning farmersNiewolny, Kimberly L.; Mark, Allyssa; Morgan, Kim O.; Scott, Kelli H.; Nartea, Theresa J.; Hilleary, Jim (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2020)Introduction to labor issues for beginning farmers. Includes Who will you hire? Looking into farm workers, talking to family, consider starting an intern program, learn if you can hire volunteers, what legal issues you'll want to consider, what kind of insurance you'll need, which fair labor laws must you follow? How you will manage your workers, how will you advertise your open positions? What resources are available to advertise your farm positions? How else can you find more workers?
- Introduction to Labor Issues for Beginning FarmersMark, Allyssa; Niewolny, Kimberly L.; Morgan, Kimberly L.; Callan, Peter L.; Scott, Kelli H.; Nartea, Theresa J.; Kloetzli, Cathryn; Hilleary, Jim; Jeter, Rose (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2015-02-25)The purpose of this resource is to introduce you to important labor issues as you begin planning for expanding your farm enterprise.
- Market Ready Farm to Restaurant - A Conversation about PricingGarber, Ben; Morgan, Kimberly L.; Shadler, Meleah; Mark, Allyssa; Niewolny, Kimberly L. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2019-05-06)Discusses product pricing considerations to help food producers manage legal risks, and build relationships with restaurant clients.
- Market Ready Farm to Restaurant - Delivery ConsiderationsGarber, Ben; Morgan, Kimberly L.; Shadler, Meleah; Mark, Allyssa; Niewolny, Kimberly L. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2019-05-06)Discusses developing a reliable system for delivery farm products to restaurant clients.
- Market Ready Farm to Restaurant - Food and Food Product Packaging ConsiderationsGarber, Ben; Morgan, Kimberly L.; Shadler, Meleah; Mark, Allyssa; Niewolny, Kimberly L. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2019-05-10)Discusses food packaging concerns for farmers selling to local restaurants.
- Market Ready Farm to Restaurant - Invoicing ConsiderationsGarber, Ben; Morgan, Kimberly L.; Shadler, Meleah; Mark, Allyssa; Niewolny, Kimberly L. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2019-05-10)Discusses invoices and what information needs to be included.
- Market Ready Farm to Restaurant - Product Liability Insurance ConsiderationsGarber, Ben; Morgan, Kimberly L.; Shadler, Meleah; Mark, Allyssa; Niewolny, Kimberly L. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2019-05-10)Discusses product liability insurance for farmers.
- Market Ready Farm to Restaurant - Product Supply RecommendationsGarber, Ben; Morgan, Kimberly L.; Shadler, Meleah; Mark, Allyssa; Niewolny, Kimberly L. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2019-04-26)Discusses the marketing of local farm products in relationship to restaurants, and ways to improve the reliability and availability of these products.
- Market Ready Farm to Restaurant - Storage ConsiderationsGarber, Ben; Morgan, Kimberly L.; Shadler, Meleah; Mark, Allyssa; Niewolny, Kimberly L. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2019-05-08)Discusses concerns related to optimal storage of foods.