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Taking the leap from hobby and part-time farming to a full-time venture

Updated: January 19, 2023

Going from part-time or hobby farming to full-time farming has many personal and financial considerations and variables. This big decision can quickly turn from inspiring to confusing, and even overwhelming.

In this article, we discuss fundamental definitions, expectations, and keys to success that will support your decision-making process and help you take this step.

Know the difference

Let us start with understanding the definition of farming for tax purposes. Knowing how your farm is defined is important since Canadian farmers have different tax deductions and grants, depending on the operation.

However, not all farms can take advantage of the same deductions. It depends on whether the farm is defined as a hobby, part-time or full-time operation and that depends on how you carry on your farm operation. Is the farm a source of income and therefore a business, or is it simply carried on for personal reasons or a hobby? The reality is the lines can be blurry between these categories, and for many smaller farms where there is often a personal element. If personal or hobby elements are present, then there must be a “reasonable expectation of profit” or REOP for the farm operation to be considered a source of income and therefore also a business. Other factors are also considered such as capital invested, experience in farming, time spent on farming, profit potential, the existence of a business plan, and the size of the operation relative to others.

Regarding farm losses, a significant change to section 31 of the Income Tax Act was introduced in the 2013 budget. The provision now reads “If a taxpayer's chief source of income for a taxation year is neither farming nor a combination of farming and some other source of income that is a subordinate source of income for the taxpayer…”

This amendment was to overturn the 2012 case of Craig, which found that full farm losses can be allowed as a tax deduction against other sources of income where the taxpayer spends considerable time and money on farming, even where farming was not really the primary or chief source of income.

There is uncertainty as to how CRA will determine if the non-farm source of income is a subordinate source of income in relation to farming. It does not require the amount of income to be subordinate but the whole off-farm source of income to be subordinate to farming.

To help clarify the differences, below is a summary chart to highlight the key differentiation between the three: hobby, part-time, and full-time farming.

Where there is a potential personal or hobby element, there must be a reasonable expectation of profit to be considered for carrying on a business. It should be noted that specific situations may differ, so your accountant will need to advise you regarding your own circumstances.

Type of farm
 ;Hobby farm
hand holding sappling		Part-time farm
farmer holding shovel		Full-time farm
barn and silo
Expectations of profit
clipboard with dollar sign		Operation is done for personal reasons/ pleasure and there is no reasonable expectation of profit.Operating a farm business but your off-farm income sources are not subordinate to your farming activity.Operating a farm business where farm activity is your main source of revenue.
How expenses are handled
pie chart		Direct farming expenses can be claimed against income but cannot exceed the income declared.Direct farming expenses and home office expenses are deductible.Direct farming expenses and home office expenses are deductible.
How losses are treated
magnifying glass with dollar symbol		Losses cannot be deducted on your tax return.Losses are restricted to a maximum of $17,500 in one year. The restricted losses can be carried back 3 years or forward 20 years and used to reduce farming income only.Losses are not restricted and can be deducted against all other sources of income.

Know costs and revenues

Deciding that you want to expand your operation or move to full-time farming needs to start with a financial understanding of your current operation. For example, to help you understand your debt-carrying capacity – which is key in most farm expansions – you'll need to know your farm's EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) as this will be the funds remaining to service any new and existing debt.

If you are unable to service the debt, this is a good indicator that you need to make some adjustments or maybe this venture isn't as lucrative as it first seemed. You will also want to complete a risk analysis.

Realistically, there are likely to be changes in the original plan; for example, construction overages, and changes to interest rates. To be prepared, you will need to ensure that you will still be able to meet your debt obligations, in good times and bad. As expansion evolves, you will also need to look at alternatives and risk analysis.

Furthermore, you also need to consider the cost of time and your family's lifestyle. Quantifying the amount of free time you're going to invest in this new venture can help inject some doses of reality into the decision-making process and discussions with the family. Will you be able to dedicate 100% of your focus to the farm and quit your off-farm job? Or can you estimate how long will it take until this can happen?

Knowing your living costs is the first step to understanding and discussing potential lifestyle changes and sacrifices this leap will have on your family. Will you be able to travel or dine out? Would you be willing to drive older vehicles and wait for house renovations? Just because you are farming full-time doesn't mean you necessarily have to give up everything. However, it will mean you have to prioritize time and lifestyle choices and know who will be running things if you are away.

Solid support system

Successful new ventures and expansions need strong business plans and advisors to help you in the execution. Although agriculture can be extremely rewarding, it also requires unique knowledge and is extremely capital-intensive.

Your trusted advisors need to have specialized knowledge and experience to help you identify pitfalls, risks, and opportunities. Regardless of how small or large your operation is, before expanding, check in with your tax advisor to ensure that you are reporting properly.

Additionally, your advisors should be able to help you set up your business professionally and efficiently for next-level performance. This varies for every operation but can be as simple as helping computerize farm books or setting up salary payments so the deductions are done properly. It can mean installing sensors in bins or using pre-purchasing or hedging accounts.

How BDO can help

Start by identifying trusted advisors to help you every step of the way. BDO's advisors are here to support you and provide the knowledge you will need to be successful.

For more information, reach out to a BDO agriculture professional today

Michelle Torrey, Senior Manager, BDO Canada

The information in this publication is current as of January 19, 2023.

This publication has been carefully prepared, but it has been written in general terms and should be seen as broad guidance only. The publication cannot be relied upon to cover specific situations and you should not act, or refrain from acting, upon the information contained therein without obtaining specific professional advice. Please contact BDO Canada LLP to discuss these matters in the context of your particular circumstances. BDO Canada LLP, its partners, employees and agents do not accept or assume any liability or duty of care for any loss arising from any action taken or not taken by anyone in reliance on the information in this publication or for any decision based on it.