

The cash flow budget is not the same as an income statement, especially an accrual income statement, and in-fact they can be quite different. While it can be negative on a spreadsheet, in real life it must be at least zero even if that means bills and debt service are not getting paid. “Net Cash Flow” must be positive or at least zero (breakeven). – Non-farm outflows of cash including family living + Non-farm sources of income which should be included if used to pay farm bills Share your feedback on this tool by contacting our Extension team at makes up a cash flow budget?Ī cash flow budget consists of cash coming in (+) or leaving (-) the business. During times of low profitability, cash flow is a survival strategy.Ĭompleting the cash flow budget requires that the manager plan ahead, know and/or estimate what they will raise, input needs, input costs, output prices, capital asset replacement, sales or purchases, and other factors that could either provide or take cash from the business.Provides a means of communicating the amount and timing of borrowing and investment needs with the lender.Forces the planning function of management.

The cash flow budget provides three primary values for the farm manager. The keyword is “cash.” If cash is not entering or leaving one’s pocket, then it does not go on the cash flow budget. The cash flow budget is a plan of how cash will be coming into the operation (cash inflows) and leaving the operation (cash outflows). The planning function of management is one of the most important for the farm manager and completing a cash flow budget is an excellent tool for doing so. “ Plan for profits and then work your plan.” That phrase best describes the value of cash flow budgeting.
