As 2023 nears its end, you may have a boot box starting to get full of receipts and check stubs. For many, this is what farm record-keeping looks like. Farm record-keeping is a mundane task, but it is necessary when it comes to tax preparation and to evaluate the financial performance of the farm. The UK Cooperative Extension Service offers the Kentucky Farm Record Book as a tool to help farmers keep financial records. You may pick one up at the office free of charge during regular business hours.
You may improve your farm record-keeping by using one or more of the widely available (and sometimes free) technologies. A simple spreadsheet kept on a computer works for many farmers. For a more sophisticated system with additional features, some companies offer subscription-based software programs. Professional financial reports are one of the many features of these systems. Bank accounts and credit cards can be linked to the software so that transactions auto-populate and can then later be assigned to proper classes.
If you would like to learn more about farm record keeping using computers, join us on November 27th at 6:00 pm at the Adair County Cooperative Extension Service for a free class that will demonstrate various technologies for farm record keeping.
Free Soil Sampling
Soil sampling through the Adair County Cooperative Extension Service is free until further notice thanks to the Adair County Soil Conservation District and Adair County Extension District Board splitting laboratory costs for testing. Collect samples now to beat the spring rush and to make plans for fertilizer needs in 2024.
Soil probes are available to be used to collect samples. Samples should consist of at least 10 soil cores for small fields or areas. Larger fields may need at least 20 soil cores. Soil samples will also have different depths depending on the tillage system you use. Samples from tilled areas, gardens, ornamentals, and fruit trees should be taken at least 6 to 8 inches deep. Collect soil samples about 4 inches deep in no-till fields and home lawns.
For more information on soil testing, contact the Adair County Cooperative Extension Serivce at (270) 384-2317.
