Know Your Ratios

By Kara Schlinke | KFBM Extension Associate Senior
Published on Jun. 30, 2025

Farming is more than planting, growing, and harvesting—it’s running a business. And like any business, understanding your financial health is crucial for long-term success. That’s where financial ratios come in. Think of them as vital signs for your farm’s finances.

New Report by the Milken Institute: A Blueprint for Employer-led Food as Health Strategies

By Savannah Columbia | Extension Associate
Published on Jun. 30, 2025

As Food as Medicine (also known as Food is Medicine) campaigns increase in popularity, employers recognize the ability to leverage food to create healthier and happier employees. Employees are looking for benefits beyond healthcare coverage.

Taxation of Timber Sales After a Casualty Event: A High-Level (Canopy) Discussion

By Jonathan Shepherd | Extension Specialist
Published on Jun. 30, 2025

Kentucky has faced several natural disasters already in 2025, and for many timberland owners, it is a question of where to start regarding salvaging and selling timber. Trying to understand the tax implications of timber damaged or lost due to storms can feel as overwhelming as the tangled mess left behind by a tornado.

Could Bourbon Help Kentucky Producers Survive Another Tradewar?

By Grant Gardner | Assistant Extension Professor and Tyler Mark | Professor
Published on May. 30, 2025

International markets support U.S. agriculture, particularly in Kentucky, which benefits from its proximity to the Mississippi River, enabling quick and low-cost transportation to Louisiana ports.

Historical Review of “Government” Payments to Kentucky Farmers

By Will Snell | Extension Professor
Published on May. 30, 2025

Currently, there are a plethora of policy actions being discussed in our nation’s capital affecting agriculture, ranging from the farm bill debate to tax policy modifications, and of course, the on-going trade policy developments.

2025 Kentucky Legislative Session Update for Kentucky Farmers

By Emily Spencer | Extension Associate
Published on May. 30, 2025

The 2025 session of the Kentucky General Assembly concluded on Friday, March 28th.  There were 533 Senate, and 907 House bills and resolutions introduced of which 50 Senate and 96 House bills became law. 

Crop Budgeting is Vital in our Current Farm Environment

By Jennifer Rogers | KFBM Area Extension Specialist
Published on May. 30, 2025

There have been many conversations this spring surrounding crop projections and budgets.  With the fear of instability in the crop markets due to foreign trade policy and the continued high costs of inputs, the profit margin for most row crop enterprises seem tight.  These tight margins have emphasized the importance of projecting revenues and e

KFBM Spring 2025 Observations

Published on Apr. 30, 2025

The Kentucky Farm Business Management Program is a program of the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Kentucky.

Into the Woods: The Tax Uncertainty of Carbon Contracts

By Jonathan Shepherd | Extension Specialist and Jordan Shockley | Associate Extension Professor
Published on Apr. 30, 2025

As woodland landowners look for income diversification opportunities, they may explore the potential of carbon sequestration as a revenue stream, particularly the potential income from woodland carbon programs. The federal income tax implications of this type of income are still not fully addressed in current tax law.

Andrea Cooksey: Student Spotlight

Published on Apr. 28, 2025

Andrea has recently completed her freshman year at the University of Kentucky in the Agricultural Economics department, where she has already begun to make her mark. She has shared valuable insights, experiences, and advice for future students, reflecting both her passion and perspective.