Categories: Advice

Starting a Business in the Farming Industry

In this week’s ABCs of Small Business Industry piece, we’re taking a little look at the farming industry! Since the beginning of time, farming has been a staple in just about every community. Though some of the technology to help the process along has changed drastically, the consistent need for farming has not altered much throughout the years.

If you’ve ever thought about becoming a farmer, this is the post for you!

First, how do you start a business in the Farming Industry?

The first step in getting started in the farming industry is picking which sector you’d like to go into: animal, crop, or wind. This will affect what supplies you’ll need to purchase, and where your farm should be located. Obviously an animal farm may need to be in a different location than a crop farm. If you don’t plan on moving states, but know that farming is the route for you, look into what types of farming are most popular in your area. Next, new farmers should familiarize themselves with farming federal, state and local business laws and regulations. And don’t forget that all farms have to register as an official business: sole proprietors, partnerships, or LLCs. Though, as the business owner, you get to pick which entity best suits your needs, and the needs of your business.

How healthy is the industry?

The farming industry has a history of helping to pump workflow back into the economy. Not only is it a consistently needed industry, it aids the consistent need for work. Of course the industry can fluctuate depending on the weather and your area (like the California farmers experiencing a heavy drought currently), but farms have a cyclical way of bouncing back even after unexpected occurrences.

Ready to make your move and join the Farming industry? Not sure where to start? Give us a call at 1 (877) 692-6772!

Deborah Sweeney

Deborah Sweeney is an advocate for protecting personal and business assets for business owners and entrepreneurs. With extensive experience in the field of corporate and intellectual property law, Deborah provides insightful commentary on the benefits of incorporation and trademark registration.

Education: Deborah received her Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration degrees from Pepperdine University, and has served as an adjunct professor at the University of West Los Angeles and San Fernando School of Law in corporate and intellectual property law.

Experience: After becoming a partner at LA-based law firm, Michel & Robinson, she became an in-house attorney for MyCorporation, formerly a division in Intuit. She took the company private in 2009 and after 10 years of entrepreneurship sold the company to Deluxe Corporation. Deborah is also well-recognized for her written work online as a contributing writer with some of the top business and entrepreneurial blogging sites including Forbes, Business Insider, SCORE, and Fox Business, among others.

Fun facts/Other pursuits: Originally from Southern California, Deborah enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, Benjamin and Christopher, and practicing Pilates. Deborah believes in the importance of family and credits the entrepreneurial business model for giving her the flexibility to enjoy both a career and motherhood. Deborah, and MyCorporation, have previously been honored by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal’s List of the Valley’s Largest Women-Owned Businesses in 2012. MyCorporation received the Stevie Award for Best Women-Owned Business in 2011.