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29 May 2024
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First Steps To Starting An Agricultural Business

Starting any business requires a lot of planning and forethought, but beginning an agricultural business is a unique challenge. Western Packaging is very familiar with the agricultural business, and we think these steps for how to start your own farming business are beneficial. Knowledge is potential power, and we want to ensure you go into your agricultural processing business informed and confident. 

Create Your Business Plan

It is one thing to have a vision in your head and another to have it on paper. It is another thing actually to start and move forward. Putting a clear and concise course of action down on paper will help you stay organized and help you share your ideas with others so they can touch, see, and feel. 

Once you have completed your business plan, such as building the foundation for starting agricultural business opportunities, others can review and support your ideas. After completing your business’s foundation, you can work on spreadsheets, budgets, and other financial documents. 

Find A Support System

Surround yourself with like-minded individuals. Not just those who own farms but a variety of people who can give you sound advice on different aspects of the agriculture industry. You will want to meet with the USDA to discuss your business plan, land purchase, and how to reach your goals.

Between the USDA and other farming industry organizations, they will guide and direct you to funding, grants, and other helpful resources for agricultural startups. Make sure that you visit the USDA website and search for all the required information you need to bring before you meet with them. Be prepared, schedule an appointment, and get an advisor if you wish to help with some things you think are unfamiliar or intimidating. 

Continue Your Education

You should never stop learning. Until you leave this earth, continuing your education should be a priority. Whether visiting your local bookstore or extending your college education, you should keep finding ways to learn more. Agricultural practices continue to change, and approaches to farming are constantly fluctuating. It is in your best interest to stay on top of these things. 

Many organizations have programs and classes for new farmers. Take advantage of anything free and use these opportunities to network, get started, and build connections. 

Structure Your Business

When you start your own business, you must determine how you want to set up your agriculture business. You can do this in various ways: partnerships, sole proprietorship, limited liability corporations, corporations, and standard corporations. Once you do this, you can register your business name with your state department. 

Afterward, you can get an EIN number through the IRS and register for state and local taxes. You will want a list of all the permits and licenses you need to operate your agriculture business. If you plan on hiring employees, make sure you understand your responsibilities as an employer.

Do Your Financing Research

No matter the amount of money you need to finance your venture, you need to do your research. Talk with other farmers about their lenders and interview farming organizations like the USDA to find lenders that work with the unique needs of the agricultural industry. Research online and call highly-rated banks. 

Consider Climate, Soil Quality, And Accessibility

When selecting the ideal location for your agricultural business, it’s imperative to consider the following:

Climate

Climate plays a significant role in determining the crops or livestock you can produce successfully. For instance, if you’re planning to grow crops, choose a region with a favorable climate that provides adequate sunlight, water, and temperature variations throughout the growing season. Similarly, if you’re raising livestock, consider the climate’s impact on their well-being, like temperature extremes or humidity levels.

Soil Quality

Soil quality is another crucial factor to consider when selecting a farm site. Conduct soil tests to assess its fertility, drainage, and composition, as different crops thrive in various soil types. Ensure the soil is suitable for your intended activities, and consider soil management practices to improve its quality if necessary. Also, evaluate the availability of water resources for irrigation. Access to reliable water sources is essential for crop production, especially in arid regions or during droughts.

Accessibility

 Accessibility is also vital for the success of your agricultural business. Choose a location with easy access to roads, railways, and ports to facilitate the movement of products and equipment. Proximity to markets and distribution channels can also reduce transportation costs and enhance the competitiveness of your products. When selecting your farm site, one should consider the proximity to suppliers, support services, and potential labor pools.

Get Permits And Licenses

Securing necessary permits and licenses is essential for legal compliance in your agricultural business. Start by researching the regulations and requirements governing agricultural operations in your region, including zoning laws, environmental regulations, and health and safety standards. Get the required permits, licenses, and certifications from local, state, and federal authorities.

Equipment

Investing in essential equipment and infrastructure is crucial for the efficiency and productivity of your agricultural operations. Assess your needs based on the farming activities you plan to undertake: crop production, livestock farming, or agribusiness services. Purchase high-quality equipment like tractors, harvesters, irrigation systems, and storage facilities to support your production processes.

Insurance Coverage

When selecting insurance coverage for your agricultural business, work with a knowledgeable insurance agent or broker who understands the complexities of the farm industry and can help you assess your insurance needs. 

Comprehensive insurance coverage can provide financial security in the face of various risks. Property insurance can protect your farm buildings, equipment, and inventory against damage or loss caused by fire, theft, vandalism, or severe weather. Crop insurance can mitigate the financial impact of crop failures, yield losses, or price fluctuations due to adverse weather conditions, pests, or diseases.

Liability insurance is also crucial for agricultural businesses, as it protects against third-party claims for bodily injury or property damage. This includes accidents involving farm machinery, contamination of neighboring properties, or foodborne illness outbreaks linked to your products. Liability insurance can cover legal expenses, settlements, and damages awarded in lawsuits.

Consider specialized insurance coverage like livestock mortality insurance, agricultural pollution liability insurance, or business interruption insurance. These policies can provide additional protection against risks that standard insurance policies may not address.

Call Us Today

Western Packaging has all of your packaging needs and more. We can help ensure that your agriculture goods are packed in a way that is visually appealing and safe throughout their haul. We also carry other accessories and supplies to help you with your needs, including learning how to start an agricultural business. Give us a call today.

01 Jun 2021
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Is Agricultural Waste A Problem?

When we think of global warming and pollution, we often blame large corporations and vehicle emissions. It’s rare that we connect farming with pollution. Agricultural pollution is on the rise and accounts for 10% of greenhouse gas emissions. But to figure out how to solve the agricultural waste problem, it’s important to understand what agricultural waste is and how agricultural waste does harm the environment.

What Is Agricultural Waste?

Agricultural waste is products disposed of by small and large farms, factories, poultry, and dairy farms. These products are both unintentionally and intentionally disposed of. There are several different types and examples of agricultural waste.

  1. Green waste– this type of waste is considered to come from organic plant matter. Leaves, crop waste, and other materials that decompose. 
  2. Pesticide and feces runoff– pesticides and manure are known to leech into the soil. This not only has the potential to damage soil fertility but also other habitats, animals, and bodies of water. Throughout history, there have been many reported instances of pesticide runoff along with animal feces leaking into surrounding water supplies. 
  3. Gas emissions- Factories and farm machinery produce gas emissions that damage the atmosphere. Methane gas is also produced by the feces of animals, in particular cattle. Livestock emissions are responsible for 14 to 18% of all greenhouse gas emissions. 

How Does Agricultural Waste Impact Us Locally? 

Los Angeles, CA, is an example of how emissions affect local areas. Though most of the pollution created in this region is from high traffic, overpopulation is a classic example of pollution effects. The city has its own weather patterns that are different from surrounding areas. This is theorized to result from pollution. Agricultural trash can produce similar results. 

Not only can this type of pollution damage the quality of the air we breathe but the water we drink. Feces and chemicals are often pumped into holding ponds that have the potential to contaminate groundwater. This can affect local areas and cause numerous health issues. These holding ponds can sometimes overflow resulting in catastrophic damages. 

How Does Agricultural Waste Impact Us Globally?

Globally, we know that waste creates air pollution which damages our atmosphere. These gases from large factory farms, which are one of the direct causes of agricultural waste, release greenhouse gases known as methane, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases. The greenhouse gases trap heat in our atmosphere causing numerous damages like:

  • Global warming 
  • Low air quality
  • Respiratory complications 
  • Smog
  • Violent weather 
  • Wildfires
  • Melting polar ice caps 
  • Issues with food supply 

What Can We Do To Reduce It? 

There are many efforts we can make as individuals and collectively as a planet to address the agricultural waste problem. The leaders in the agricultural industry are required to apply certain management practices to reduce environmental damage. However, it is not enough. Here are some ways to help:

  • Recycling is one effort all of us can make to help reduce trash. By doing so, we can significantly reduce landfill waste and emissions. 
  • Write your state representatives- there is not as much regulation over agricultural garbage as one would think. Despite the numerous lawsuits and movies made, water contamination regulation needs tremendous attention. Emerging contaminants (ECs) are materials within the water supply that are difficult to measure. Hormones, antibiotics, and pharmaceuticals are examples of this. There is little to no regulation on how much of these are allowed in the water. We need to do better as a country. 
  • Supply and demand- if we as a society create a shift in the needs the supply would change. For example, if we stopped buying a certain produce or meat product in the industry, we default.

Contact Us Today 

At Western Packaging, we are continually developing products that help improve methods for farmers and contractors. We share the goal of reducing agricultural waste by developing products that save time, energy, and resources. Give us a call today!

25 Feb 2021
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Does Environmental Conditions Affect Your Packaging?

Environmental conditions can take a toll on your packaging. You never know what conditions your products are going to travel through. Damage to your packaging poses a risk for the items that are inside. They can be damaged before they even arrive to customers. Western Packaging can help you make the best decisions for packaging your products.

What Are Environmental Issues With Packaging?

The packaging that your items are in can get damaged by environmental elements. They will most likely be indoors and outdoors several times, both shipping and storing at the final destination. They have the potential of experiencing several different weather changes, such as:

  • Uv Rays From Sunlight
  • Heat
  • Rain 
  • Snow

If environmental issues will have a negative effect on your packaging, this can be a real problem. It will affect your bottom line, as well as your relationship with your customer. Damage to the items that are inside of the packaging isn’t going to leave a very happy customer when they receive it. Some of the environmental conditions that packages can experience are explained below.

Water Damage

You never know when it is going to rain while your package is in the shipping process. When it is raining outside, your package may get wet. While slight moisture may not be detrimental, significant water can damage the packaging. As well as the product inside. 

You also have to consider where the package is being stored when it arrives at its location. Soil, dirt, fertilizer, animal feed, and more are oftentimes stored in outdoor locations. If the items that you have inside of your packaging will be impacted by getting wet, this can be a big problem. An investment in packaging that can withstand moisture occurring can help.

Sunlight Damage

When packages are in transit, they are subject to many elements of the weather. Sunlight is one of them, and which it also generates heat. This can be a problem for a couple of different reasons. The package can fade from the UV rays and cause it to not be legible. 

Many items are stored in outdoor locations. Stores that carry animal feed and gardening soil, usually store them outdoors. When the packaging that is used cannot withstand the sunlight and heat, that is not a good scenario. It is a good idea to have proper packaging that can withstand these types of scenarios. 

How To Better Protect Your Packages

You need to ensure that your packaging can hold up to the environmental conditions it is in, you need to do what you can to protect them. Western Packaging has options for you to best protect your packages. Some of the options that they have are:

Sunlight, heat, and water can damage your packaging and the products inside. When the right packaging is used for the environment it could be experiencing, your products are better protected. Customers will be much happier with the appearance and the quality of the items as well. 

Let Western Packaging Help you With Packaging Needs

Western Packaging can help you with the proper packaging for your products. We are a reputable company that can provide you with the products that you need for packaging. If you have questions about what is best for you, one of our team members would be glad to assist you. Please contact us.

23 Nov 2019
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The Benefits Of Polypropylene Bags For Your Agriculture Business

Polypropylene bags have been on the market now for some time but what really makes them one of the better choices for your agricultural business? Western Packaging supplies a variety of bags for every purpose but we think there are things that make polypropylene bags special. As science and technology improve so does the way we do business and the supplies we use.

Polypropylene Bags Basics 

With new information and research, scientists have created a product that is not only greener and cleaner than traditional PVC products but more cost-effective as well. Polypropylene is also known as poly weave due to its construction. 

With this unique technology, you can store food for longer periods of time with less spoilage. Here are some more benefits to switching over to poly weave.

Budget-Friendly While Still Retaining Value

Compared to all other plastics, poly weave performs better in all areas. It will store your goods longer with less spoilage. Polypropylene bags also carry more weight than any other plastic bag which reduces breakage and waste. 

All of these things add up to you saving money and adding value to your business and your customer’s life. When a customer receives your goods fresh and in good condition this sends the message that you’re a quality company to do business with. 

Versatile and Biodegradable

Being green is a huge factor today when choosing businesses to do business with and everyone should do their part to reduce waste. Poly weave bags are proven to leave behind less waste than their other plastic counterparts. When a polypropylene bag is finally discarded it will break down quicker and leave fewer toxins in our food and water.

With that being said, who wouldn’t want to leave their name all over a bag of that quality when being shipped or stored. Not only are they biodegradable but you can print serial numbers, product names, and your brand right on these bags for all to see. This is important in an age where branding is a bigger deal than in prior years. 

Polypropylene Bags are Durable and Pest Resistant

Time and time again Polypropylene bags have proven themselves to stand up to extreme temperatures. It has a melting point of 130 to 170 degrees celsius which makes it good for items that need to be in trucks or warehouses for long periods of time in the summer. Laminating and printing the bag will not affect the strength or durability of the bag as well.

The poly weave bag’s construction is made to stand strong against vermin and pest that like to infest food and grains. This, in turn, reduces food waste and saves your profits, which makes this bag perfect for transporting and storing food items.

Moisture Control

Polypropylene bags keep out moisture than other packaging materials like polyethylene or cellophane. Moisture control means you are less likely to have mold build up in your food and less rot. Odors are less likely to permeate other packages next to them as well, which depending on what you have in your packaging could be disastrous.  

Resistant To Chemical and Electrical Stress

Because of poly weave’s high heat tolerance, it can also resist many chemical and electrical stressors. It stands up to physical manipulation, twisting, and other physical stress. While being a flexible packaging polypropylene bags can still remain strong and tough, making them the ideal choice for agricultural goods. 

Let Us Package Your Goods 

Western Packaging specializes in agricultural packaging and so much more. We are knowledgeable and ready to supply or help you make the best decisions for the specific goods you need packaging and shipping. Give us a call today! 

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