10 Financial Moves for 2026 (No, it's not too early)
- Grant Wiese
- Oct 20
- 3 min read
SW Financial Literacy
10 Financial Moves to Kick Off 2026 on the Right Foot
As the calendar turns, there’s no better time to get your financial house in order. The most profitable farms don’t just work hard, they plan ahead. Here are ten smart financial moves to help you start 2026 strong and keep cash flow steady all year long.
1. Lock in your cash flow plan early
Build a 12-month cash flow projection that includes operating costs, loan payments, and income timing. Spot the tight months now so you can plan ahead instead of reacting later. Early awareness gives you options, like restructuring a note or adjusting input purchases.
2. Analyze last year’s numbers
Don’t file 2025 away and forget it. Pull out your records and compare actuals to your budget. Which costs ran high? Which crops or herds performed best? Knowing your true cost of production per acre or per head is the foundation of every strong financial decision.
3. Clean up your balance sheet
Update equipment values and remove old or overstated assets. Tighten up short-term debt and know your working capital position before spring. A clean balance sheet tells lenders you’re in control, and it gives you better leverage when you need credit.
4. Secure input financing early
Get your input financing or supplier terms locked in before rates or prices shift. Compare offers carefully; “zero interest” can come with hidden costs. Only buy what fits your cash flow plan, not just what looks like a deal.
5. Refresh your marketing and hedging strategy
Set grain sales targets around your cost of production, not market hype. Decide ahead of time how much you’ll lock in and how much flexibility you’ll keep. A plan on paper keeps emotion out of marketing decisions.
6. Meet with your advisory team
Your accountant, lender, marketer, agronomist, and insurance agent should all be working from the same numbers. A short winter meeting to review your financials, taxes, and coverage can save headaches (and money) later in the year.
7. Review your debt structure
Line up your loans correctly: land on long-term notes, operating expenses on short-term credit. Don’t roll old operating debt into the new crop year if you can avoid it. If rates have softened, ask about refinancing options.
8. Make capital purchases strategically
It’s easy to talk yourself into a new piece of iron, but ask the key question: Will this improve return on assets or just convenience? Explore options like sharing or delaying if cash flow is tight.
9. Build “what-if” scenarios
Run three versions of your budget: baseline, optimistic, and stress-case. Knowing exactly how you’ll adjust if prices drop or yields disappoint gives you confidence, and it impresses your lender.
10. Protect your people and your plan
Update your estate documents, entity structure, and insurance coverage. Farms change fast, your paperwork should too. Protecting the business also protects the family behind it.
Bottom line:
Strong farm finances don’t happen by accident, they’re built one decision at a time. Take a day this winter to review, plan, and prepare. These 10 financial moves will allow your future self (and your banker) to thank you.
Need help with your operation's financials?
I have limited spots available for 1-hour consultations helping you:
Understand your farm's financial position.
Prepare for future growth opportunities.
Discuss purchase & finance options on farm transactions you are working through now.
Sign-up here if my services can benefit your operation:
Have a great week!
Grant
