Husker Ag SMARTS (H.A.S.) is a six-day business management program that aims to strengthen producers' management abilities and build technical skills through strategic planning, financial analysis, risk management, and succession planning lessons and activities. In its first two years, the program reached 26 producers representing over 92,000 acres of crops and 6,700 beef animals, with an estimated total economic impact of $922,590. Participant feedback indicated the program helped them consider strategic options, plan for the future transition of their farm, and analyze financial risks and opportunities through tools like scenario planning. The program goals are to enhance agricultural viability and sustainability in Nebraska by providing intensive, hands-on business management education to farmers

1. Husker Ag SMARTS: Strengthening Management Abilities,
Responsiveness, and Technical Skills
Strauch, B.A.1, Saner, R.D.2, Jones, J.G.3, Holman, T.L.4, Schneider, J.W.5, Stockton, M.C.6, Tigner, R.C.7, Walz, T.M.8
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8
Extension Educators, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension
6 Extension Agricultural Economist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Program Topics
Abstract
• Strategic/Scenario Planning
Husker Ag SMARTS (H.A.S.) is a six day business • Strategic Planning
management program empowering producers to • Business Vision and Goals
strengthen management abilities, increase • Strategic Decision Making Tools
responsiveness to business challenges, and build • Scenario Planning
technical skills through the learning and practice of • Costs, Budgeting, Financial Analysis
management concepts. Economic uncertainty and Program Impact:
• Machinery Management
market place instability have increased the risk • 26 participants in the initial 2 years. • Enterprise/Partial Budgeting
agricultural producers face. To safely circumnavigate • 60% of respondents have made changes to • Whole Farm Budgeting
these challenges and assure sustainability and their operation as a result of the program. • Financial Ratios/Benchmarking
prosperity, producers must increase their • Participants estimated the value @ $10 per • Human Resource Management
understanding of risk and improve their business acre. • Business Organization
skills. H.A.S. participants gain skills and knowledge in • 92,259 crop acres and 6,710 beef animals • Employee Handbook
strategic planning, financial competency, risk represented. • Performance Evaluation
management, and succession planning through the • Economic impact of $922,590 to • Land Management
use of interactive discussions, case study analysis, Nebraska’s economy. • Land Values/Rental Rates
computer-based learning tools, hands on training, • Farm Leasing
and networking with successful farm business • Fencing/Brand Laws
owners. Producers who attended H.A.S. have begun • Water Issues
to manage financial risks through strategic business • Marketing & Risk Management
plan development, legal risk through the use of • Marketing Plan/Strategies
contracts and leases, and human risks with enhanced • Risk Identification/Management
communication and succession/estate plan • Succession Planning
development. In its first two years, H.A.S. reached • Farm Transition
26 producers representing 92,259 acres and 6,710 • Estate Planning
beef animals with an estimated value of $10 per
acre, resulting in a total impact of $922,590. These
results indicate efforts should be undertaken to Future Program Plans
expand programming to producers in the state and • Continue to develop enhanced, interactive curriculum.
beyond. • Provide the best expertise from around the country.
• Develop and deliver online Husker Ag SMARTS course.
• Make Husker Ag SMARTS a nationally recognized
Extension program.
Program Mission and Goals
The UNL Extension Husker Ag SMARTS team is dedicated to
meeting the educational needs and demands of Nebraska’s
Husker Ag SMARTS Participants said:
farmers & ranchers by providing an intensive, hands-on, • “This program opened my eyes to some different options and new tools to help
business management course across the state. look at risk.”
• “This course helped me to think about the future as far as what to do with the farm
• To enhance the economic viability and sustainability of
after my time.”
agriculture in Nebraska.
• “I'm excited about the program especially about scenario planning and comparing
• To build and strengthen the agribusiness educational
different ideas to potential results.”
opportunities for farmers & ranchers in Nebraska.
• “I learned how to interact and work with others, this is going to be useful for me in
• To enhance producers’ knowledge and awareness of
the future.”
business management principles.
• “I liked looking at spreadsheets and seeing how small changes can impact the
• To provide participants the resources necessary to
bottom line, numbers are only as good as the numbers plugged in. Be sure to be as
successfully mitigate risk and increase profitability.
accurate as possible.”
• “I learned to write the plan down and discuss it with other decision makers.”