by Jackie Carattini & Katie Wantoch

The holiday season is fast approaching and if you are like many others this means increased obligations and increased stress. With all the demands the season brings, it is easy to get caught up in your to-do lists and miss what the holidays are really about. Don’t let this time of year be something you dread. With a little planning, you too can find peace.

As we near the end of the year, it is important to spend some time completing one of our least favorite activities – recordkeeping. You might compile the necessary information for income tax preparation, credit borrowing, crop or livestock reporting, and other year-end paperwork. With a little time, patience and resources, you can make this task a little less stressful.

Recordkeeping doesn’t have to be too difficult, however it is important to compile records for better decision-making. Records and the management decisions made from prepared statements are only as good as the data entered. The old adage, “Garbage in – Garbage out,” really does apply to recordkeeping. Whether you are using paper or electronic methods, recordkeeping is best kept simple! Recruit others to assist, like family members, to share the work. If you become overwhelmed, consider having certain aspects outsourced, such as tax preparation. Keeping records regularly can help to reduce the stress of preparing them at the end of the year.

For more articles on recordkeeping and the farm financial model, please visit the Extension Farm Management Farm Pulse – Financial Management Program website.

Jackie Carattini is an Associate Professor and Human Development & Relationships Extension Educator at the University of Wisconsin – Madison Division of Extension.

Katie Wantoch is an Extension Farm Management Outreach Specialist at the University of Wisconsin Division of Extension.

Mid-West Farm Report and Rural Mutual Insurance have partnered to release the Rooted in Farm Safety Series, which focuses on reducing farm accidents and stress. Take a look at the following videos to learn how you can stay safe around the farm and be prepared for this busy time of year.

Stress on the Farm

Fatigue on the Farm

Kids on the Farm

The Wisconsin Farm Center provides access to free, confidential counseling sessions with licensed mental health professionals by phone or video. To learn more about programs and assistance offered through the Wisconsin Farm Center, visit farmcenter.wi.gov or call 1-800-942-2472.

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To help Wisconsin farm families start their succession planning process, Wisconsin Extension has developed an interactive workshop series as a part of the program Cultivating Your Farm’s Future. This workshop series will provide tools and resources for producers who want to begin the succession planning process.

To learn more before registering, two virtual meetings will be offered to provide an overview of the workshop series. These overview sessions will be recorded and you can register to receive a link to the recording to watch at a later date.

FREE Informational Webinars:
Thursday, December 8, 2022, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Tuesday, December 13, 2022, 12:00 – 1:00 pm

To register for these free overview sessions, please visit: https://forms.gle/hCmvD6DkYtyYxVrF6

For more information contact Kaitlyn Davis, La Crosse County Extension Agriculture Educator, kaitlyn.davis2@wisc.edu or Joy Kirkpatrick, UW-Madison Division of Extension Farm Succession Outreach Specialist, joy.kirkpatrick@wisc.edu.