Farm Accounting – Ritzville (WA)

Ritzville CPA Services

Managing through periods of significant change can be challenging. Even the most seasoned crop and livestock farmers are often faced with operational and financial surprises that may require plans to change. Nebraska farmers have seen it all, whether it is unexpected issues with the water supply or the adverse effects of high interest rates on capital acquisition. However, the situation becomes more complex when Ritzville farmers face unexpected changes. This is especially true regarding changes with trusted business advisors, including your farm accountant.

Evaluate Your Current Provider

If your current provider is too large or too small, consider the benefits of working with a mid-sized agriculture CPA firm. Adams Brown can provide farmers and ranchers with:

  • A team of advisors, including a principal, dedicated to working with you
  • Advisors who serve as an extension of your team that you can count on in good times and bad
  • Direct and ongoing communication with everyone on your service team
  • Access to specialized agribusiness knowledge at cost-effective pricing
  • CPAs who were raised on family farms and still find time to lend a hand

Agriculture Experience – Washington

Adams Brown, Strategic Allies and CPAs, is a certified public accounting firm that specializes in serving the accounting, tax, audit, consulting, and wealth management needs of farms, ranches, and their owners. We work with agriculture businesses in Ritzville,  Adams County, and across Washington, providing farm management, tax compliance, and financial planning services while offering real-world insights from first-hand experience.

Farm Financial Management FAQs

What is Farm Financial Management?

Farm financial management is a comprehensive process that involves planning, tracking and analyzing financial resources to ensure profitability, sustainability and stability of operations. Effective management includes a robust accounting program focused on budgeting, cost control, cash flow management, projections, and informed investment decisions. Armed with accurate financial information, farmers can make important decisions about:

  • investing in crops and livestock,
  • managing debt,
  • maximizing profits and
  • the pros and cons of loans and government programs.
What is the Best Farm Accounting Software?

AgriBuilder creates the most value for agricultural businesses by integrating:

A robust farm accounting program helps farmers manage finances, expenses and income while seamlessly integrating with your farm management system. In addition to these necessities, your farm accounting software must help you streamline the process for annual tax filings. Check out these common signs that your accounting system is broken.

What are the Key Financial Statements to Maintain?

An effective farm accounting process delivers updated financial reports that empower decision making. There are three standard financial statements including the balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flow. The balance sheet conveys details about the farm’s assets, liabilities and overall net worth. The income statement reports revenues and expenses over a specific period of time, and the cash flow statement highlights the movement of cash.

What Financial Reports Should Farmers Regularly Review?

Adams Brown regularly reviews financial reports with agriculture clients to monitor operations, assess profitability, identify trends for planning and make informed decisions. Together, we also review:

  • accounts payable and receivable,
  • budget versus actual,
  • break-even analysis,
  • cost of production,
  • crop gross margin,
  • depreciation schedules,
  • inventory breakdowns by field and/or crop
  • market value balance sheet and
  • tax projections.

A holistic approach to reviewing your financial and farm management data ensures your ability to make sound business decisions for your farm while planning for future initiatives, investments and goals.

Additional farm financial management insights:

How can Farmers Improve Cash Flow?

While each farming operation faces unique and different challenges and opportunities, there are some general guidelines which can help improve cash flow. These include:

  • timing large purchases with revenue cycles,
  • ensuring a diverse source of income (for example, agritourism, integration of wind farms, leasing hunting ground),
  • negotiation of payment amounts and terms with vendors/suppliers,
  • leveraging lines of credit and
  • maintaining an emergency fund.
What is my Farm Worth?

Understanding your farm’s value is important for various reasons, ranging from financial planning to strategic decision-making. Whether you are buying, selling, planning your estate or evaluating operational success, knowing what your farm is worth can provide critical insights to help you achieve your goals. A thorough farm valuation will help you conclude the true value of your farm.

Map of Ritzville (WA)

Ritzville Agriculture Accounting Services

  • Agreed Upon Procedures
  • AgriBuilder (proprietary integrated accounting and farm management solution)
  • Budgeting & Forecasting
  • Business Tax Planning & Compliance
  • Business Transformation
  • Cash Flow Management
  • Financial Statement Audits
  • Outsourced Accounting
  • Succession Planning
  • Tax Planning & Compliance for Farm Owners
  • Wealth Planning

About Adams County (WA)

Adams County, Washington, is a key agricultural hub in the state, with farming as the backbone of its economy since the late 1800s. The county is renowned for producing over 60 different crops, with wheat, potatoes, and blueberries being the leading commodities. Dryland wheat and barley dominate the eastern region, while irrigated agriculture in the western part, supported by the Columbia Basin Project since the 1950s, yields diverse crops like apples, potatoes, and beans. Agriculture employs nearly 3,000 workers, making it the largest industry sector, with an annual average employment of 2,962 out of 9,415 total jobs as of last year.

The county’s farms, averaging 1,488 acres, generate significant output, with a total market value of agricultural products sold reaching 22.74% from livestock, poultry, and their products. Challenges like soil acidification from nitrogen fertilizers are addressed through WSU Extension programs, promoting sustainable practices. Adams County’s agricultural success is further bolstered by federal farm subsidies, totaling $290.4 million from 1995.