OSU On-Line Class Focuses On Record Keeping

Oregon State University wraps up their 2020 Small Farm School Series Thursday with “Record Keeping for Farm Business Decision Making”. OSU’s Heidi Noordijk said this week’s on-line class is extremely beneficial for anyone new to farming or looking at growing and expanding their operation. She said with so much taking place on the farm and off the farm, it’s important to establish a record keeping system early and use it.

“Where are you buying your seeds from; how many seeds did you get; when did you plant the crops.  And then having notes in there about when did you harvest those crops and what were your yields.  And then in the wintertime you can revisit that as you’re developing your crop plan for the next season.”

Noordijk added solid record keeping will also help when it comes to business taxes, documents needed by the government. She added this class will help those looking for organic or Food Safety Modernization Act certification.

“Also, if you’re writing a farm business plan, you’re looking to get grants if you’re just starting out, or if you’re looking for loans, it’s important to have records there.  And setting up a system that fills more than one criteria is very, very helpful.”

Noordijk added proper record keeping allows you to continually look at ways to improve your operation and ways to grow, whether that’s in acreage, profits or both.

To learn more about this week’s on-line class, check out OSU's Website.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekmedia.com