FBLA - Agribusiness

Hand Tools

• Used for smaller tasks like planting, pruning and soil preparation

• Shovels, hoes, pruners

Power Tools

• Handle more labor-intensive jobs

• Chainsaws for tree management, tillers for soil preparation

Safety Equipment

• Essential for all jobs

• Gloves, safety glasses, masks, reflective vests

Tractors

• Primary source of power for a wide range of agricultural tasks

• Used for plowing, planting, and harvesting

Harvesters

• Specialized equipment such ad combine harvesters

• Used for efficiently collecting crops

Irrigation Systems

• Used for watering crops

• From sprinklers to advanced drip irrigation

Food Processing Equipment

Includes mixers, grinders and packaging machines for processing and packaging food products

Geographic Information System (GIS) and GPS

Used for precision agriculture, including mapping fields and monitoring crop health

Drones

Can be used for crop monitoring, spraying, and surveying large areas of land

Farm Management Software

Helps in planning, scheduling, and tracking all aspects of farming operation, from planting to harvest and sales

Soil and Water Testing Kits

• Used to analyze soil health and water quality

• Crucial for environmental management and sustainable practices

High Risk

An event with a high probability of causing serious harm or death, significant contamination, or major business interruption

Moderate Risk

• An event with a moderate probability of causing harm or contamination

• Potential for mild health issues or operational disruption

Low Risk

An event with a low probability of causing harm or contamination, or a minor a

Severity

The potential for harm, injury or damage

Likelihood

The probability that the event will occur

Control Measures

The existing safeguard that are in place to prevent or mitigate the risk

Potential Impact

The effect on workers, the public, the environment, an business continuity

Commercial Property Insurance

• Covers physical assets like buildings, structures, equipment, and inventory

• Against risks like fire, theft, or natural disasters

Equipment Breakdown Insurance

Protects against the cost of repairing or replacing essential machinery that breaks down unexpectedly

Livestock Insurance

Covers the loss or damage of valuable animals from causes like illness, injury, or theft

Health Insurance

• Covers medical expenses for the farm owner and employees

• Obtained through marketplaces, employer-based plans or association health plans

Life Insurance

• Provides a financial safety net for families and businesses

• Can include “key person” insurance to cover the monetary loss of a key employee or owner

Crop Insurance

Protects against financial losses from crop failures due to weather, pests, or other perils

Farm Income Insurance

Can cover losses resulting from the failure to produce a crop

General Liability

Protects against third-party claims for bodily injury or property damage that occurs on the farm or is caused by products or operations

Commercial Auto

Covers vehicles, trucks, and tractors used for business operations

Workers’ Compensation

• Covers medical costs and lost wages for employees who are injured on the job

• Crucial, given the inherit risks of farming

Environmental Liability

Covers the cost of pollution cleanup and liability resulting from the release of pollutants like manure or pesticides into the environment

Chemical Hazards

Plan for spills of pesticides, fertilizers, or fuels

Biological Hazards

Account for risks from pathogens in livestock or crops

Physical Hazards

Prepare for injuries from machinery, tools, or falls from heights like grain bins or ladders

Environmental Hazards

Plan for extreme weather events like storms, heat, or cold

Food Safety Hazards

Include protocols for foodborne illnesses, in line with food safety management systems

Internal Communication

Define how team members will share information during an emergency

External Communication

Prepare statements for media or stakeholders and have a list of emergency contacts, such a as local emergency services and veterinarians

Provide access to toilets and hand and face washing facilities

Sanitation

Fire Prevention

Maintain grounds to reduce fire fuel loafs and have fire suppression equipment readily available

Pest Control

Keep grounds clear to minimize the presence of dangerous creatures like snakes and spiders

OSHA

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration

• Sets and enforces standards to ensure safe and healthful working conditions

• Regulations cover hazard identification, working training and emergency preparedness

FDA

• Food and Drug Administration

• The Final Rule for Produce Safety is a key regulation covering raw agricultural commodities for human consumption, aiming to reduce foodborne illnesses

EPA

• Environmental Protection Agency

• Regulates the use of pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals

• Sets standards for waste disposal and water pollution

IPM

• Integrated pest Management

• Encourages the use of biological controls and other natural methods to manage pests

• Reduces the reliance on synthetic pesticides

Waste and Pollution Prevention

Practices like composting and nutrients management can reduce waste and prevent runoff into wateways

Resource Conservation

Implementing technologies and practices that conserve water and energy

Biodiversity Protection

Strategies that protect wildlife habitats and promote biodiversity on and around the farm

Voluntary Certifications

Programs like Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) can help a business demonstrate its commitment to high standards, even if not legally mandated

Sole Proprietorship

• Owned and run by one individual (or family)

• Full control, quick decisions, all profits to owner, simplest setup

• Unlimited personal liability (personal assets at risk), limited capital, business ends with owner

Partnership (General)

• Two or more people co-own for profit

• Shared capital/resources, diverse skills, pass-through taxation

• Joint liability, potential for partner conflicts, harder to transfer ownership

Cooperative

• Member-owned (farmers/producers) to meet shared needs (e.g., marketing, purchasing)

• Pooled resources, democratic control (one member, one vote), tax benefits, flexible structure

• Slower decisions (consensus needed), less individual control, complex setup

Corporation (C-Corp/S-Corp) 

• A separate legal entity from its owners (shareholders)

• Limited liability (shields owners), easier capital raising (shares), continuity

• Complex/costly to form, double taxation (C-Corp), more regulations

Sustainability

Managing resources to meet present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs, balancing economy, society, & environment

Triple Bottom Line (TBL)

Evaluating business success not just by profit (economic), but also by social equity and environmental impact (People, Planet, Profit)

Cradle-to-Cradle Design

Designing systems for waste-free, cyclical resource use that enriches ecosystems, not just minimizes harm

Life Cycle Analysis (LCA)

Assessing environmental impacts (inputs/outputs) across a product's entire life, from raw material to disposal, informs better design

Precision Agriculture (GPS/GIS)

Using location tech to apply inputs (water, fertilizer, pesticides) only where and when needed, preventing over-application and pollution

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

A strategy minimizing chemical pesticides by using biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools in a compatible way

Conservation Practices

Methods like cover cropping, reduced tillage, and buffer strips to protect soil and water

Risk Management

Assessing environmental risks (e.g., drought, pests) and implementing strategies (e.g., crop diversification) to build resilience

Stewardship

A commitment to responsible management and protection of natural resources, integrating environmental care with economic goals

Economic Growth & Job Creation

Stimulates local economies through farming, processing, and related services, creating diverse jobs

Food Security & Affordability

Increases production, making food more accessible and affordable globally

Technological Advancement

Drives innovation (AI, precision ag, biotech) improving yields, efficiency, and resource management

Resource Efficiency

Smart tech reduces water, fertilizer, and pesticide use, boosting ROI

Community & Health

Supports local food systems (farmers' markets), enhances nutrition, and strengthens rural communities

Environmental Degradation

Pollution (runoff), soil depletion, habitat loss, water scarcity, and reduced biodiversity

Economic Inequality

Large-scale operations can outcompete small farms, concentrating power

Resource Overuse

Unsustainable water, land, and nutrient management depletes resources

Systemic Risk

Climate volatility, pest resistance, and market fluctuations pose ongoing threats

Strategic Planning

Balancing short-term profits with long-term sustainability, using tools like ROI analysis for climate adaptation

Risk Management

Mitigating climate, financial (cash flow), and operational risks through insurance, diversification, and planning

Stakeholder Engagement

Considering public input and community impact (local sourcing) in decisions

SWOT

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats

Technology Adoption

Using precision ag, drones, or data analytics for better yields

Strong Local Ties

Direct-to-consumer sales, community support, farm-to-table

Skilled Workforce

Knowledgeable family or employees in specific production methods

Efficient Operations

Optimized resource use (water, energy, labor)

Limited Capital

Lack of funds for expansion or new tech

Resource Constraints

Water scarcity, aging infrastructure, or soil degradation

Market Dependence

Relying on one crop or buyer

Succession Issues

Lack of a clear plan for farm transition

Policy Support

Government incentives for conservation or sustainable practices

Technological Advances

Innovations in genetics, automation, or data

Partnerships

Collaborations with other farms or businesses

Climate Change

Extreme weather, changing growing seasons

Market Volatility

Price fluctuations, global competition

Urbanization

Loss of farmland, increased development pressure

Market Demand

Analyze sales forecasts, seasonal trends, and customer needs (e.g., specific quality, volume)

Resource Inventory

Assess available land, machinery, labor, capital, and technology

SWOT Analysis

Evaluate internal Strengths/Weaknesses and external Opportunities/Threats for production

Financial Goals

Set clear production targets (e.g., 10,000 units/month) with budget constraints

Master Schedule

Monthly/annual plan detailing planting, input application, harvesting, processing

Human Resources

Staffing levels, training, and clear reporting structures

Procurement

Source quality raw materials (seeds, feed, supplies)

QC Checkpoints

From raw materials to final product, ensuring safety and consistency

Data Driven Decisions

Use farm management software and data analytics for adaptive management

Profitability & Growth

Maximize ROI, increase market share, expand product lines

Customer & Brand Value

Build strong consumer trust, enhance brand loyalty, meet evolving consumer demands (e.g., organic, local)

Data-Driven Decisions

Use financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet) and KPIs to assess performance