Quicklinks: Summary, products and services, successful companies | Income and profitability | Expenses | History, strategy and challenges
Summary, products and services
Summary of the farm business: how do farms work? How do they make money?
Farms work by producing crops and raising livestock. They make money by selling their products to consumers. Farms use a variety of business strategies to maximize their profits. They may specialize in a particular type of crop or livestock, or they may diversify their operations to include a variety of products and services. Many farms also offer agritourism activities, such as hayrides and corn mazes, to attract visitors and generate additional income.
The most common crops grown on farms include wheat, corn, and soybeans. Livestock raised on farms include cattle, pigs, and chickens. These animals are typically raised for their meat, milk, or eggs.
List and description of the five most successful companies in the farm business. How big are they and what is their market value?
The five most successful companies in the farming business are:
- Monsanto: Monsanto is a publicly traded American multinational agrochemical and agricultural biotechnology corporation headquartered in Creve Coeur, Missouri. It is one of the world’s leading producers of genetically engineered seed and Roundup, a glyphosate-based herbicide. Monsanto has a market value of $62.4 billion.
- DuPont: DuPont is an American chemical company that was founded in 1802 as a producer of gunpowder. It is now one of the world’s largest chemical companies, with a global portfolio including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, safety and protection, and more. DuPont has a market value of $59.3 billion.
- Syngenta: Syngenta is a global Swiss agrochemical and biotechnology company headquartered in Basel, Switzerland. The company specializes in crop protection and seeds, and has a strong presence in both the developed and developing world. Syngenta has a market value of $36.4 billion.
- Dow Chemical: Dow Chemical is an American multinational chemical corporation headquartered in Midland, Michigan, United States. As of 2017, it is the second-largest chemical manufacturer in the world by revenue (after BASF) and as of February 2009, the third-largest chemical company in the world by market capitalization (after BASF and DuPont). Dow Chemical has a market value of $59.0 billion.
- Cargill: Cargill is an American privately held global corporation based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and incorporated in Wilmington, Delaware. Founded in 1865, it is now the largest privately held corporation in the United States in terms of revenue, with operations in 60 countries. Cargill has a market value of $45.3 billion.
Income and profitability
List of the top three sources of revenue for farms (AKA how do they make money?) – including percentages of income and examples in US dollars for each
The top three sources of revenue for farms are crop sales, livestock sales, and government subsidies.
- Crop sales account for the majority of farm income, with the average farm earning $135,000 from crop sales in 2016.
- Livestock sales are the second largest source of farm income, averaging $45,000 per farm in 2016.
- Government subsidies are the third largest source of farm income, averaging $27,000 per farm in 2016.
Pricing: What are average prices among farms
There is a lot of variation in pricing among farms, and average prices can vary significantly depending on the region, type of farm, and type of products being produced. In general, however, small farms tend to have higher prices than large farms. This is because small farms typically have higher production costs and lower economies of scale.
In the United States, the average price for a dozen eggs from a small farm is about $2.50. The average price for a dozen eggs from a large factory farm is about $1.50. For meat, the average price per pound for chicken from a small farm is $4.50, while the average price per pound for chicken from a large factory farm is $2.50.
Of course, there are also many organic and specialty farms that charge much higher prices for their products. For example, organic eggs can cost up to $5.00 per dozen, and organic meat can cost up to $10.00 per pound.
What are the profit margins in the farm business? In a percentage range.
The profit margins in the farm business vary depending on the type of farm, the products or services produced, and the operating costs. For example, a farm that produces corn may have a profit margin of 20% while a farm that produces beef may have a profit margin of 5%. The operating costs also play a role in determining the profit margin. A farm with high operating costs may have a lower profit margin than a farm with low operating costs.
Expenses
What is the cost to build a farm business? With an example.
The cost to build a farm business can vary greatly depending on the type and size of farm you want to start, as well as the location. For example, starting a small organic vegetable farm in your backyard is going to cost much less than starting a large dairy farm in rural Wisconsin.
Some of the main costs you’ll need to consider when starting a farm business include:
- The cost of land: This will be your biggest expense if you’re starting from scratch. You’ll need to factor in the purchase price of the land, as well as any associated costs like surveying and legal fees.
- The cost of buildings and infrastructure: If you’re starting from scratch, you’ll need to factor in the cost of building a barn, fences, and other necessary infrastructure. If you’re buying an existing farm, you’ll need to factor in the cost of any repairs or upgrades that are needed.
- The cost of equipment: You’ll need to purchase or lease all the necessary equipment for your farm, including tractors, plows, harvesters, etc.
- The cost of livestock: If you’re starting a livestock operation, you’ll need to factor in the cost of purchasing animals.
- The cost of seeds and feed: You’ll need to purchase seeds and feed for your crops or animals.
- The cost of labor: If you’re not planning on doing all the work yourself, you’ll need to factor in the cost of hiring employees.
List and description of the top three ongoing expenses for farms. What percentage does each represent?
The top three ongoing expenses for farms are seed, fertilizer, and labor. Seed costs represent about 10% of the total expenses for a farm. Fertilizer costs represent about 20% of the total expenses for a farm. Labor costs represent about 70% of the total expenses for a farm.
History, strategy and challenges
What is the history of the farm business? With examples for each continent of the world.
For centuries, farming has been an essential part of the human experience, providing food and other resources that have allowed us to thrive. Farming began in the Fertile Crescent, a region in the Middle East that was home to some of the earliest human civilizations. From here, it spread to other parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Each continent developed its own unique style of farming, based on the climate, geography, and resources available.
Today, farming is still a vital part of the global economy, providing food for billions of people around the world. However, it faces many challenges, including climate change, dwindling resources, and competition from other industries. Despite these challenges, farming remains an essential part of the human experience, and its importance is likely to continue for many years to come.