Now that fall harvest is well under way, producers of corn and soybeans will be able to determine if yields were good, bad or average.

Probably for the most part an overall assessment of average would best describe yields in the area. Before producers know it, harvest will be over; hunting season ends and the end of the year is here. This means tax time; and for some producers 2007 was a good year, possibly the best ever.

Tax planning should be on the list to complete soon rather than wait until the end of year when it could be too late. As always, it is best to work with a tax professional who is well acquainted with farm businesses and has experience in preparing Schedule F. This is probably not the time to look for the low price tax preparer, in the end it will cost much more than the initial savings.

Farm revenue will not necessarily be up across the board, as some segments of agriculture remain only marginally profitable. Dairy operations will, however, without a doubt end 2007 in better financial shape than maybe ever before. After suffering through several years of low milk prices, finally dairy producers are being paid a decent price for their product.

Recently, a dairyman told me it is fun again to be in the dairy business. I asked what he meant and he replied that for the first time in a long time they are able to pay all of the monthly bills on time. Previously they would select who would be paid and who would have to wait.

He also said they are almost able to pay off debt incurred over the past two years when the cost of production was higher than the milk price. He insisted that 1998 was the last good year they had and that 2007 was a long time coming.

I hope that milk prices will never drop to those levels again, but some expect it. Perceptive producers are trying to be ready should a downturn occur in the future. Some are attempting to build up a rainy-day fund, while others are investing in their operation with facility improvements, machinery upgrades or livestock, hoping that when the market does sour, they will be a low cost, efficient operation that can withstand the downturn.

Time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Dairy producers will continue to work seven days a week. Dairying is a very demanding occupation. Many factors contribute to a successful operation such as labor, farming practices and maintaining good herd health. Herd health takes a huge effort — foot trimming, breeding, calving, nutrition, feed rations, vaccinations, and the list goes on. The fact is that there is a lot more going on than just milking a cow.

It is about time dairy producers are paid for their work just like everyone else.

Luke Fritz is executive director of the Butler County Farm Service Agency.