http://www.agweb.com/blogs/ Have a margins question? Through this blog, you will gain insight into improving your bottom line, as a margins expert answers questions and provides farm business advice.   AgWeb.comhttp://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/business_planning_starts_with_mission_and_goals/Any worthwhile endevor must have a mission with several specific goals!Chris BarronMon, 10 Jan 2011 11:56:00 GMT22775http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/know_your_farms_cost_of_production,_on-the-fly/Develop a strategy for headwinds as volatility in cost of production and income potential increases.Chris BarronFri, 14 Jan 2011 15:54:00 GMT22838http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/manage_margins_in_volatile_times/Manage your margins by matching up sales with input costs once your margin goal is achieved.Chris BarronFri, 21 Jan 2011 16:39:00 GMT22899http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/ask_a_margins_expert/Increase your margin opportunities buy increasing yields with new tecnologies and products.Chris BarronMon, 31 Jan 2011 13:00:00 GMT22957http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/chart_your_breakeven/To best manage our margins, sometimes we need a visual perspective to create an understanding of our reality.Chris BarronSat, 05 Feb 2011 15:19:00 GMT23007http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/five_traits_of_successful_producers/There are five traits that successful producers have in common,Entrepreneurship,Innovation,Capital Management,People Management,andTechnology Management.​Chris BarronFri, 11 Feb 2011 20:09:00 GMT23072http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/machinery_cost_calculator/Farm machinery cost considerations can be analyzed by factoring expenses from interest, depreciation, and repairs.Chris BarronMon, 21 Feb 2011 19:59:00 GMT23130http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/track_your_marketing/With the commodity market volatility, it's absolutely critical to have concise and reliable internal marketing information. Chris BarronSun, 27 Feb 2011 09:38:00 GMT23189http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/make_things_happen/Some people in business make things happen,others watch things happen,while other don't know what just happened.Chris BarronFri, 04 Mar 2011 21:34:00 GMT23234http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/protect_your_crop_investment/ Volatility and high crop values make crop insurance the best way to keep your business margins strong. With 3% to 6% of your cost of production you can protect 100% of your investment on most farms.Chris BarronFri, 11 Mar 2011 19:06:00 GMT23279http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/pay_yourself_first__market_with_confidence/Pay Yourself First & Market with Confidence. Part of your cost of production in grains needs to be your profit margin. Remembering to include profit margin will help you maximize your grain marketing preformance by having the confidence of covering all costs.Chris BarronFri, 18 Mar 2011 21:32:00 GMT23329http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/prioritize__plan_your_spring_work_load/Prioritize and plan your spring work load. This is a brief list of several items to consider before spring field work is in full swing. Invest some time making your personal priority list. Write it down and keep it simple. Share the information with your key partners and family in order to accomplis [...]Chris BarronFri, 25 Mar 2011 19:46:00 GMT23383http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/margin_management_nitrogen_cost_calculator/Managing margins can be difficult unless you have the proper tools to understand how expenses impact your cost of production.Chris BarronFri, 01 Apr 2011 20:44:00 GMT23424http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/does_custom_farming_really_pay/Consider whether the additional income is enough to outweigh the costs of providing the service.Chris BarronMon, 11 Apr 2011 12:03:00 GMT23477http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/nascar__farming_the_race_is_on/The similarities of Nascar and Agriculture are a lot like looking in to a mirror. Chris BarronMon, 18 Apr 2011 16:01:00 GMT23525http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/multi-year_sales_plan/Multi-Year Sales Plan should inclued three components, supplier discussions, crop rotation plans, and an overall cost of production analysis. With this information a price objective can be considered. Chris BarronFri, 22 Apr 2011 15:58:00 GMT23550http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/asset_exposure__insurance_coverage/Asset Exposure and Insurance Coverage need to be discussed in detail at least once per year.Chris BarronFri, 29 Apr 2011 21:03:00 GMT23618http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/attitude_the_key_to_a_successful_business/Attitudeis the key component to a successful business.Chris BarronFri, 06 May 2011 14:38:00 GMT23661http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/have_a_lender_on_the_bench/Have a Lender on the Bench As we manage our farm businesses during these volatile times it's more important than ever to manage risk. Chris BarronMon, 16 May 2011 19:16:00 GMT23733http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/spring_invoice_review/ A Spring Invoice Review helps to catch any possiable margin mistakes.Chris BarronSat, 21 May 2011 15:25:00 GMT23772http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/supplier_relationships__price_vs_value/Relationships are the cornerstone to any solid business exchange. Chris BarronMon, 30 May 2011 17:33:00 GMT23843http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/farm_size__margin_managment/Farm size is not a direct factor when it comes to profitability or effective margin management. Chris BarronSun, 05 Jun 2011 20:53:00 GMT23890http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/grain_margin_calculator/Understanding margin management is the name of the game for success in grain production. Chris BarronMon, 13 Jun 2011 08:11:00 GMT23931http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/grain_margins__price_volatility/Grain price volatility can toy with your emotions.Stay focused on margins rather than price alone.Chris BarronSun, 19 Jun 2011 16:18:00 GMT23982http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/dads_legacy/Over the years Dad taught me three important traits, character, integrity, and love.Chris BarronMon, 27 Jun 2011 22:15:00 GMT24041http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/expert_assistance/The world is complex and it's difficult to be an expert in every area.Chris BarronTue, 05 Jul 2011 14:34:00 GMT24089http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/crop_disaster_plans/It seems like this has been the year of weather destruction. Chris BarronTue, 12 Jul 2011 13:05:00 GMT24147http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/dealing_with_the_storms_after---math/Now that the storm has blown over it’s time to deal with the after –MathChris BarronSun, 17 Jul 2011 22:21:00 GMT24188http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/cash_rent_communication-basics/Cash rent sustainability, requires good communication skills.Chris BarronMon, 25 Jul 2011 11:03:00 GMT24238http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/farm_rent_conversation/It's time for farmland rent conversations.Chris BarronSun, 31 Jul 2011 20:15:00 GMT24288http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/crop_reality_check/It's that time of the year again to estimate your yield prospects.Chris BarronMon, 08 Aug 2011 07:47:00 GMT24328http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/fertilizer_price_calculator/Calculate your per acre fertilizer price for each individual farm unit.Chris BarronSun, 14 Aug 2011 09:25:00 GMT24394http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/1,000ac_production_cost_for_corn/Crop plans for 2012 show we are fast approaching $1000/ac. expenses for corn!Chris BarronSun, 21 Aug 2011 20:44:00 GMT24444http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/2012_cost_of_production_a_first_look/A difficult question is whether or not to make sales for 2012 or even 2013. It's about managing emotions, risks and opportunities.Chris BarronTue, 30 Aug 2011 22:11:00 GMT24501http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/time_for_corn_harvest/This year it may be necessary to harvest the corn crop at a higher moisture level.Chris BarronMon, 05 Sep 2011 21:18:00 GMT24531http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/your_harvest_scoreboard/As the harvested yields become a reality, your final play involves determining an overall price goal. Chris BarronMon, 12 Sep 2011 11:24:00 GMT24577http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/invoice_2012_seed_needs_now/Invoice your 2012 seed now to ensure receiving the best products from your seed supplier.Chris BarronSun, 18 Sep 2011 21:15:00 GMT24608http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/grain_margins_for_2012/When market conditions shift, don't panic. Instead use the situation as an opportunity to hit the reset button. Chris BarronMon, 26 Sep 2011 10:22:00 GMT24679http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/the_marketing_game/Markets can't go up forever, nor can high prices be sustainable for long periods of time. Chris BarronSun, 02 Oct 2011 23:12:00 GMT24722http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/the_real_cost_of_depreciation/If you’re going to stay farming,10% depreciation is not enough.Chris BarronMon, 10 Oct 2011 07:38:00 GMT24812http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/matching_bushels__expenses/How many bushels do you need to cover individual expenses? Chris BarronMon, 17 Oct 2011 06:55:00 GMT24875http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/2011-12_grain_profits/As producers invest in products and services they should be tied to specific profit goals.Chris BarronSun, 23 Oct 2011 21:48:00 GMT24933http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/the_results_from_our_wind-damaged_crops/Unfortunately wind played a major role this year in the list of challenges for growing corn. Chris BarronMon, 31 Oct 2011 11:13:00 GMT24996http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/precision_technology_improves_crop_margins/How can precision technology help your bottom line?Chris BarronWed, 09 Nov 2011 09:04:00 GMT25102http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/your_harvest_performance_review/The economic payback for strategic planning generates immediate returns to the bottom line!Chris BarronMon, 14 Nov 2011 08:35:00 GMT25151http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/purchasing_equipment_at_year_end/As your farming operation grows, it's important to analyze your equipment purchases. Chris BarronSun, 20 Nov 2011 19:47:00 GMT25204http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/cashing_in_your_chips/With the bins full, when should producers cash in on 2011 crop sales?Chris BarronSun, 27 Nov 2011 17:46:00 GMT25252http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/ag_education_opportunities/What value can Conferences and Seminars return to my bottom line?Chris BarronSun, 04 Dec 2011 23:04:00 GMT25318http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/2012_crop_acreage_plans/Should I really plant more corn acres?Chris BarronMon, 12 Dec 2011 13:33:00 GMT25403http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/determine_the_profit_centers_on_your_farm/Structuring new operating lines for 2012, tax planning, and cash flow projections are at the top of the priority list for many producers.Chris BarronMon, 19 Dec 2011 10:33:00 GMT25471http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/holiday_season_on_the_farm/Document the heartbeat of your farming operation.Chris BarronFri, 23 Dec 2011 18:32:00 GMT25526http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/your_2012_farm_toolbox/What tools will you need to make the best decisions in 2012?Chris BarronTue, 03 Jan 2012 09:56:00 GMT25580http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/its_planning_season/A little planning can go a long way toward improving your margins! Chris BarronMon, 16 Jan 2012 09:30:00 GMT25743http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/stress_test_your_margins/Your business needs a normal rhythm of cash flow, adequate working capital, and risk management.Chris BarronTue, 24 Jan 2012 12:04:00 GMT25832http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/set_a_margin_goal/Without a predetermined plan of action, it's almost impossible to make a sound business decision.Chris BarronTue, 07 Feb 2012 10:03:00 GMT25973http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/crop_share_analysis_tools/Crop share arrangements are becoming more popular, as cash rental prices for land continue to climb. Chris BarronWed, 15 Feb 2012 22:01:00 GMT26067http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/crop_share_analysis_tools,_part_2/Have the right tools on hand to evaluate your crop share arrangements.Chris BarronFri, 24 Feb 2012 11:02:00 GMT26148http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/protect_your_margins/Risk management needs to be the key part of your business plan for 2012 crop production.Chris BarronSun, 04 Mar 2012 21:46:00 GMT26245http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/should_you_be_planting_corn_or_soybeans/You should analyze your plans before and during the course of the planting season.Chris BarronMon, 26 Mar 2012 09:39:00 GMT26458http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/set_your_spring_price_goals/Regardless of your acre mix, the next challenge is achieving an acceptable market price. Chris BarronMon, 09 Apr 2012 14:13:00 GMT26586http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/a_little_rainy_day_fun/It's a rainy day and we're unable to plant. Sometimes a little lighthearted fun helps to recharge the batteries.Chris BarronThu, 19 Apr 2012 16:23:00 GMT26697http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/equipment_efficiency_notes/ Taking a few notes in the field can help to reduce expensive downtime.Chris BarronMon, 23 Apr 2012 07:52:00 GMT26726http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/profitability_and_later_planting_dates/The one variable which impacts margins the quickest is yield. Chris BarronMon, 07 May 2012 11:23:00 GMT26878http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/scout_for_better_margins/Scouting can be the best barometers to measure the results of your management decisions.Chris BarronMon, 21 May 2012 16:02:00 GMT27038http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/navigate_through_price_volatility/Evaluate your opportunities and determine what profit margins are appropriate for your operation.Chris BarronWed, 06 Jun 2012 09:52:00 GMT27181http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/ag_tweets/Twitter is another tool for your “Business Toolbox.”Chris BarronTue, 19 Jun 2012 09:06:00 GMT27284http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/ready_for_the_report/Take advantage of profit opportunities during market volatility.Chris BarronTue, 26 Jun 2012 23:04:00 GMT27354http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/summer_marketing_scenarios/Crop conditions, market volatility, and weather all present tremendous uncertainty.Chris BarronWed, 04 Jul 2012 23:03:00 GMT27417http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/taking_advantage_of_high_grain_prices/Manage your risk and take advantage of current profit opportunities.Chris BarronThu, 12 Jul 2012 06:14:00 GMT27474http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/twitter_survey_2012_corn_yield_expectations/Results from the farmers who responded to the survey.Chris BarronThu, 19 Jul 2012 08:57:00 GMT27522http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/stay_margin_focused/Manage the marketing and margin opportunities that you can control.Chris BarronSun, 29 Jul 2012 10:45:00 GMT27585http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/managing_your_numbers/We're in unchartered territory, so marketing should be managed rather than maximized.Chris BarronMon, 06 Aug 2012 14:26:00 GMT27638http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/harvest_corn_timely/Once your grain is in the bin, you'll be in a best position for managing profit opportunities.Chris BarronWed, 15 Aug 2012 11:16:00 GMT27711http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/crop_tour_observations--day_1/A great way to evaluate the crops firsthand. Chris BarronMon, 20 Aug 2012 23:05:00 GMT27761http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/pro_farmer_crop_tour_day_2/Field variability was evident as we talked to a farmer harvesting corn. Chris BarronWed, 22 Aug 2012 01:03:00 GMT27775http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/crop_tour_more_than_just_a_number/The numbers are very important, but what is it that brings these numbers to farmers? Chris BarronThu, 30 Aug 2012 15:27:00 GMT27849http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/how_to_determine_harvest_loss/As you ride in the combine, analyze how much corn you’ll be losing out the back of the machine. Chris BarronWed, 19 Sep 2012 14:51:00 GMT28013http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/thinking_profit_from_the_combine_what_about_fertilizer/Margins expert Chris Barron has more thoughts from the combine on how you can improve your bottom line.Chris BarronThu, 04 Oct 2012 07:43:00 GMT28166http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/focus_on_profits_as_harvest_wraps_up/Chris Barron talks about marketing at the end of harvest and what to look for in the USDA report this week. Chris BarronWed, 10 Oct 2012 10:51:00 GMT28282http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/production_costs_or_percentage_of_production/Chris Barron discusses what farmers should think about while putting together their cost of production for the 2013 crop. Chris BarronThu, 25 Oct 2012 05:00:00 GMT28331http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/how_to_pencil_out_equipment_purchases/Do you need new machinery? Are you sure you can afford it? Are you buying new equipment for the right reasons? Chris BarronThu, 15 Nov 2012 16:03:00 GMT28545http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/is_custom_work_profitable_for_your_operation/Determine if you custom work really pays for your operation.Chris BarronTue, 20 Nov 2012 09:56:00 GMT28676http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/keep_up_with_margin_management/Cost of production is a moving target. Watch this clip to learn how to stay on top of production costs and margins.Chris BarronMon, 26 Nov 2012 09:58:00 GMT28677http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/lessons_from_president_washington/Learn how our first president was the original entrepreneur in farming.Chris BarronFri, 07 Dec 2012 03:05:00 GMT28791http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/to_buy_or_not_to_buy_land/Should anyone be buying land right now? Are we in the midst of a land bubble?Chris BarronTue, 18 Dec 2012 13:51:00 GMT28904http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/start_scenario_planning_for_2013/Check out these spreadsheets that can help you make a top-notch marketing plan for the coming year. Chris BarronThu, 27 Dec 2012 14:13:00 GMT28949http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/download_this_spreadsheet_to_calculate_your_cost_of_production/Filling out a simple spreadsheet can really help you get a handle on operation’s costs and profit potential. Chris BarronWed, 16 Jan 2013 14:39:00 GMT29129http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/are_you_ready_for_black_swans/Black swans can come in any form, that’s their very nature. A common challenge I see with today’s farming operation is communication.Chris BarronMon, 04 Feb 2013 14:23:00 GMT29446http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/financial_fitness_when_to_lose_weight_or_build_muscle/As we spend more time in the office, now is a great time to determine the goals and direction of your operation. Chris BarronTue, 12 Feb 2013 14:27:00 GMT29447http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/which_of_your_enterprises_are_making_money/As you do farm business planning, it is important to know which of your enterprises are the most profitable. Chris BarronThu, 14 Feb 2013 14:38:00 GMT29448http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/use_your_farm_records_to_strengthen_your_operation/Updating and analyzing farm records is definitely not as fun as driving a tractor. But, it is key in your operation’s profitability.Chris BarronFri, 22 Feb 2013 05:42:00 GMT29449http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/blog/ask_a_margins_expert/crunch_the_numbers_before_switching_from_corn_to_beans/Take a look at this spreadsheet to analyze how yield and price differences affect your gross revenue. Chris BarronSat, 11 May 2013 16:01:00 GMT30134