The Profitable Farmer (Strategic Business Planning for Profit, Purpose, and Quality of Life)

Start running a profitable farm—without the burnout, chaos, or constant guessing.

Build a farm that sustains you—not just your crops.

Farming isn't just a job—it's a way of life. But too many farmers work longer hours every year and still struggle to make enough money, take time off, and feel confident about why they're doing this work at all.

The Profitable Farmer shows how to step off that treadmill and build a farm business that supports profit, purpose, and quality of life. Written by farm business experts Julia Shanks and Dan Brisebois, this hands-on guide offers a five-year roadmap to build a farm that's financially resilient and personally sustainable—without sacrificing your values or burning out in the process.

Inside, you'll learn how to:

• Create a five-year vision grounded in real profit goals, meaningful work, and a sustainable schedule
• Turn that vision into clear, workable annual plans
• Align production, sales, labor, and finances instead of managing them in silos
• Use simple tracking systems to adjust before small problems become big ones
• Build a farm that is financially viable, purpose-driven, and personally sustainable.

Built around four core pillars—grounded financials, strategic sales, a balanced team, and effective production—The Profitable Farmer gives you the strategic foundation to grow a thriving farm and a life you love.