Know your farm costs before agreeing a selling price

Simple records for separating cash expenses, labour, losses, stock, revenue, and timing before a buyer negotiation.

01

Calculate the complete production cost

Start a record for each crop cycle or livestock group. Include seed or animals, feed, fertilizer, crop protection, hired labour, family labour where useful for decision-making, land, water, energy, packaging, storage, transport, market fees, finance costs, losses, and equipment use. Separate one-time assets from recurring expenses. A cash expense record and a profitability estimate answer different questions, so keep both.

02

Price the sale unit clearly

Divide saleable output, not total harvested output, into the relevant costs to understand a baseline cost per kilogram, bag, crate, carton, or animal. Then consider grade, market demand, buyer requirements, transport responsibility, payment timing, spoilage risk, and a sustainable margin. State package weight and quantity clearly so a lower-looking price is not hiding a smaller unit.

03

Protect cash flow and agreements

Match expected payment dates against the dates inputs, labour, transport, and household needs must be paid. Record offers and confirmed changes in writing. Verify the buyer and payment independently, be cautious about urgent requests, and never treat a screenshot alone as proof that funds have cleared. Ashong does not hold funds in the MVP; payment is arranged directly between the parties.

Educational information only. Product condition and agricultural requirements should be confirmed with appropriate local professionals.