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Man at desk writing in a binder. A tractor preparing a field for planting. Dr. Albert Ayeni holds up a Carolina Reaper Pepper

Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet FS1294

Ultra-Niche Crop Series: Crop SWOT Analysis Template

  • Jenny Carleo, Former Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, Cape May County

What is a SWOT Analysis?

A SWOT Analysis is an examination of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats as they pertain to a specific idea or business decision.

Why should I perform a SWOT Analysis?

When beginning or expanding a farm, a SWOT analysis should be performed on the proposed idea because it will reveal more information about possible pitfalls and the potential for success. It can also bring up new ideas or solutions to deficiencies in the operation by examining the situation logically. Conducting a SWOT analysis can uncover opportunities that you are well-placed to exploit.

What are strengths and weaknesses in a SWOT Analysis?

These are features that are internal to the business. In other words, they describe things that are true about yourself or your business operation that exist regardless of outside conditions. Examples of this can be your work experience, education, facilities, existing cash or anything that is an asset or deficiency that is under your control.

What are opportunities and threats in a SWOT Analysis?

These are situations that exist external to your business and are out of your control. Things like governmental regulations on your product or the cost of inputs due to an increase in gas prices, for example.

Who should do the analysis?

Every team member involved in the decision making and planning of the operation should perform one independently. Then, all team members should discuss the results together.

How do I perform a SWOT Analysis?

Use the template below to examine each aspect of the idea/crop as it pertains specifically to you and your situation. Try to be specific enough to identify the core cause or source of each item. List as many points as you can think of for each topic.

How should I use the analysis once I am finished?

  1. Use it to capitalize on your strengths and opportunities when creating your strategic plan, mission statement, marketing plan and/or business plan.
  2. Prioritize the deficiencies that need to be addressed and develop SMART Goals to resolve them adequately. More information on writing SMART goals can be found in Rutgers Cooperative Extension fact sheet FS1263.
    1. Since the weaknesses are internal (under your control) a plan can be made to improve them.
    2. Since the threats are external (not under your control) develop risk management plans to prevent, reduce or eliminate the threat of the risk to minimize its potential impact.
  3. Next Steps

    See the SWOT template that accompanies this page to begin conducting your SWOT analysis. The Ultra-Niche Crops Project also has a 2-minute video on conducting a SWOT analysis available at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Ultra-Niche Crops YouTube channel.

    SWOT Template

    Crop/Idea: ____________________________________________

    INTERNAL - Things that are true about yourself or your business operation that exist regardless of outside conditions.
      Strengths Weaknesses
    Financial    
    Example: Good credit history. No savings.
    Financial Actions    
    Example Action: Action: Use good credit to borrow capital. Create or reevaluate your budget
    Marketing    
    Example: Experience in customer service industries. No knowledge of website design or social media.
    Marketing Actions    
    Example Action: Make good customer service a trademark. Take a class or view a webinar online on the topic
    Personnel    
    Example: Background in agriculture. Starting the operation alone; no supervisory experience.
    Personnel Actions    
    Example Action: Teach other farmers in exchange for items/services you need. Find a mentor or get advice from other farmers
    Production    
    Example: Knowledge of the crop, culture, and management. No pesticide license (essential for this crop in the region.)
    Production Actions    
    Example Action: Grow what you know first, start new crops on a small scale. Contact your local extension office about getting a license
    Sales    
    Example: Have already begun networking with potential customers. Starting a new market in a new town.
    Sales Actions    
    Example Action: Get them to commit to buying early, or enlist them in helping. Do your market research!
    Facilities    
    Example: Own the land. It is deed restricted.
    Facilities Actions    
    Example Action: Reinvest the money you saved on rent into the operation or into investments. Review your specific deed restrictions and be sure to stay within the guidelines
    Other Action    
       
    EXTERNAL - Things that influence your situation or your business operation that are outside of your control.
      Opportunities Threats
    Market Trends    
    Example: Current market demands local product. Demand for local may change quickly.
    Market Trends Actions    
    Example Action: Market your product and business as local. Stay informed and educated and be ready to adapt with the market
    Competition    
    Example: Only one other grower cultivates same product locally. Some local growers are considering growing same crop.
    Competitions Actions    
    Example Actions: Market yours as the "one and only". Grow other varieties of the same crop.
    Cultural & Demographic    
    Example: Enlarging ethnic enclave in the region. Local cultural clashes between customers.
    Cultural Actions    
    Example Actions: Target marketing to that community. Educate yourself about a specific culture.
    Input Costs    
    Example: Specialized, used equipment is easy to find. New, specialized equipment is cost prohibitive.
    Input Cost Actions    
    Example Actions: Buy used equipment while it is available. Share with other farmers or rent equipment when needed
    Technology    
    Example: New efficient technology is rapidly increasing. International technology out-competes domestic.
    Tech. Actions    
    Example Actions: Use efficient technology to minimize labor costs or waste. Keep up-to-date on international advances.
    Environment    
    Example: Climate moderated by close proximity to ocean. More risk of hurricane damage at harvest.
    Environmental Actions    
    Example Actions: Take advantage of the long growing season. Investigate buying crop insurance.
    Regulations    
    Example: Recent de-regulations for small-scale producers. Cumbersome paperwork required for direct-sales.
    Regulation Actions    
    Example Actions: Grow as much product as the limit allows while still staying "small". Stay organized. Watch a business management webinar on the rules.
    Other Action    
       

    June 2018