Insights CategoryFood And Beverage

Best Practices for Manufacturers in Times of Uncertainty

Anyone operating a business in today’s environment is facing a horizon with a lot of uncertainty – economically and geopolitically. Manufacturing in particular has been

Accounting, Biofuels, Food And Beverage, Manufacturing

The Impact of Trade Policies on U.S. Agriculture

Please note: The following information is current as of March 13, 2025, at 10:45 a.m. CT. Pinion will continue to monitor changes and create updates.

Animal Protein, Commodity Crops, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Government & Public Affairs, Permanent & Specialty Crops

How to Demonstrate Repayment Capacity to Your Lender

Today’s business uncertainty, coupled with a tightening credit environment, is making it more critical than ever for businesses to approach loan renewals more strategically —

Biofuels, Equipment Dealers, Food And Beverage, Manufacturing

Is Your Board of Directors Hurting Your Business?

When your critical business decisions and strategies hinge upon governance from a board of directors, it becomes paramount to ensure your board is positioned to

Biofuels, Food And Beverage, Manufacturing, Strategic Advisory

Consumers are Now the Biggest Driving Force Behind Sustainability

Are you feeling it? The shift in purchasing power. The drive for transparency. The growing passion for food’s journey. While it’s true that climate change

Animal Protein, Commodity Crops, Food And Beverage, Land Advisory, Permanent & Specialty Crops, Sustainability

President Trump’s Day-One Executive Orders: Implications on the Agricultural Sector

On his first day in office, President Trump sought to make a significant display of his priorities by issuing dozens of executive actions. Executive orders

Animal Protein, Biofuels, Commodity Crops, Farm Business Management, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Government & Public Affairs, Permanent & Specialty Crops

How to Use KPIs to Grow Your Business

Today, there is a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) for virtually everything– from revenue and yield to scrap rate and cycle time. KPIs are powerful tools

Beverage Distribution, Biofuels, Equipment Dealers, Food And Beverage, Manufacturing

How to Prepare Your Business for Potential Immigration Enforcement

As the new year moves into full swing and we transition to a new administration, employers should prepare for increased immigration enforcement and significant changes

Commodity Crops, Construction, Food And Beverage, Government & Public Affairs, HR Services, Manufacturing, Peer Group Programs, Permanent & Specialty Crops

IRS Releases Standard Mileage Rates for 2025

The IRS issued an increase in the standard mileage rates for business travel, effective January 1, 2025. While the IRS states that standard mileage rates

Accounting, Animal Protein, Architects & Engineers, Beverage Distribution, Biofuels, Commodity Crops, Construction, Equipment Dealers, Financial Institutions, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Government & Public Affairs, Healthcare, HR Services, IT Consulting, Land Advisory, Manufacturing, Not-for-Profits, Permanent & Specialty Crops, Tax Compliance & Strategy

New Retroactive Wildfire Tax Relief: Action May Be Needed

On December 12, 2024, President Biden signed the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023. The law exempts from income tax qualified wildfire relief payments

Animal Protein, Commodity Crops, Food And Beverage, Permanent & Specialty Crops

Best Practices for Business Owners in 2025 and Beyond

As a business owner, you likely spend most of your days – and many of your nights – thinking about the daily operations of your

Architects & Engineers, Beverage Distribution, Biofuels, Business Valuation, Construction, Equipment Dealers, Family Business Advising, Food And Beverage, Manufacturing, Next Gen Strategy, Not-for-Profits

Is Your Business Ready for Leadership Transition?

Whether your leadership transition is months or years away, there are crucial steps you can take now to prepare for a successful outcome. But successful

Animal Protein, Architects & Engineers, Biofuels, Business Valuation, Commodity Crops, Construction, Equipment Dealers, Family Business Advising, Financial Institutions, Food And Beverage, Manufacturing, Next Gen Strategy, Permanent & Specialty Crops

4 Ways Food & Beverage Manufacturers Should Prepare for 2025

The 2024 election has brought about considerable potential for policy shifts in the food & beverage industry… with many businesses left asking, “What’s changing, and

Accounting, Food And Beverage, Government & Public Affairs, Strategic Advisory, Tax Compliance & Strategy

Summary of Election Impacts for Ag Producers and Processors

The 2024 federal elections will have significant impacts on policies that affect U.S. food and agriculture. With election day in the rear-view mirror, it is

Accounting, Animal Protein, Commodity Crops, Equipment Dealers, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Government & Public Affairs, Manufacturing, Permanent & Specialty Crops, Tax Compliance & Strategy

How to Manage Forecasts and Cashflow in Today’s Market

Cash flow management and forecasting are, and will always be, integral elements to business success. But the way manufacturers approach this is changing. Consumer buying

Biofuels, Food And Beverage, Manufacturing

Cyber Reality Bites into U.S. Food Supply Chain: How to Protect Your Operation

If you’ve previously brushed off the notion of cyber threats, it’s time to reconsider. The food and agriculture industry has just become the seventh most

Animal Protein, Commodity Crops, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Permanent & Specialty Crops

Got Nexus? How State Compliance is Impacting Food and Beverage Commerce

There’s a critical aspect of commerce that food and beverage owners and operators cannot afford to overlook: state tax nexus. Understanding tax nexus is essential

Accounting, Food And Beverage

5 Signs You’ve Outgrown Your Accounting System

Is your accounting system holding your business back? Maybe you’re so busy running the business that sorting through scattered financials seems more of a headache

Accounting, Animal Protein, Commodity Crops, Construction, Farm Business Management, Financial Institutions, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Healthcare, Not-for-Profits

Use It or Lose It: Lock in Estate Tax Advantages Now

The estate tax exemption doesn’t sunset until the end of 2025. So why worry about it now? Unfortunately, this historically high estate and gift tax

Accounting, Animal Protein, Commodity Crops, Family Business Advising, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Next Gen Strategy, Permanent & Specialty Crops

Navigating High Interest Rates in 2024

After nearly two years of rising interest rates, many farmers are tapping into their cash reserves from prosperous years to avoid taking out new loans.

Animal Protein, Commodity Crops, Farm Business Management, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Permanent & Specialty Crops, Risk Management, Strategic Advisory

What Kind of Farm Co-op Do You Want to Be?

Farmers need three key things for their business: the best price, the best quality, and the best service. All of these come at a cost

Commodity Crops, Farm Business Management, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Permanent & Specialty Crops, Strategic Advisory

Newly Proposed 2023 Tax Deductions: Money in your Pocket… If Passed

Congress has drafted new tax legislation that is shaping up well amongst both the House and Senate Committee leaders. The $78 billion tax agreement, introduced

Accounting, Biofuels, Construction, Farm Business Management, Financial Institutions, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, HR Services, Manufacturing, Sustainability

Sustainability Opportunities to Satisfy Grocery Commitments

The global food system is getting a green makeover. Domestically, grocery retail giants like Target and Kroger have set goals to reduce their greenhouse gas

Food And Beverage, Sustainability

5 Common Barriers to the Grocery Store Market

The food industry is a highly competitive and dynamic sector that requires a deep understanding of consumer needs, market trends, and retail operations. Despite the

Food And Beverage, Manufacturing

Financial Checklist for Ag Operations

The beginning of the year is a great time to perform an overall financial check for your business. “We recommend that farm operations do this

Animal Protein, Commodity Crops, Farm Business Management, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Permanent & Specialty Crops

Decision 2024: Business Planning Ahead of an Election Year

The direction of future tax policies is intrinsically linked to the shifting dynamics of political power in the White House and Congress. With an election

Biofuels, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Manufacturing

3 Ways Craft Brewers Can Navigate Industry Instability

This past July, the oldest craft brewery in the U.S. announced it will be closing its doors as a result of continually declining sales. This

Food And Beverage

5 Things Every Co-op Should Do Before Year End

As the calendar year draws to a close, many farm co-ops are also approaching their fiscal year-ends. As a co-op CEO, now is a good

Animal Protein, Commodity Crops, Farm Business Management, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Permanent & Specialty Crops

FinCEN Reporting Deadline Alert: What Every Business Needs to Know

Beginning January 1, 2024, the Corporate Transparency Act requires all U.S.-based entities to report to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) detailed information about the

Animal Protein, Biofuels, Equipment Dealers, Financial Institutions, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Manufacturing

The Flip Side of Estate Planning: Why Many Don’t Bother

6 in 10 Americans have a retirement account, while only 1 in 3 have an estate plan. While the majority of Americans see the importance

Accounting, Animal Protein, Commodity Crops, Family Business Advising, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Next Gen Strategy, Permanent & Specialty Crops

How Automating Your Farm Office Creates Competitive Advantages

As a farm manager, you’ve invested in high-tech field equipment like GPS tractor systems, efficient irrigation systems and automated milking parlors to make your life

Animal Protein, Commodity Crops, Farm Business Management, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Permanent & Specialty Crops

Get Relief in a Tight Labor Market

Across the U.S., farmers are feeling the pinch of a shrinking workforce. Between competition from other industries, an aging workforce population, and other factors, farmers

Accounting, Animal Protein, Commodity Crops, Food And Beverage, Permanent & Specialty Crops

The Risks of Letting Your Legacy Ride: How Estate Planning Protects the Family

Ask any successful family business leader “What is your most important accomplishment?” The overwhelming response is: ‘my legacy’. And yet, only one in six have

Animal Protein, Biofuels, Commodity Crops, Construction, Equipment Dealers, Financial Institutions, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Manufacturing, Next Gen Strategy, Permanent & Specialty Crops

How Vulnerable Is Your Business to a Cyber Attack?

In light of the recent cyberattack that shut down Dole’s North American production, businesses are reminded once again of the importance of cybersecurity and keeping

Animal Protein, Biofuels, Commodity Crops, Construction, Equipment Dealers, Financial Institutions, Food And Beverage, Manufacturing, Permanent & Specialty Crops

Updates on GHG Protocol Land Sector and Removal Guidance Draft

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) is the leading international standard setting body for GHG accounting and reporting. In September of 2022, the GHG Protocol

Commodity Crops, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Permanent & Specialty Crops, Sustainability

How Producers Play a Role in 2030 Biodiversity Targets

In December 2022, the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity was held in Montréal with a focus

Animal Protein, Biofuels, Commodity Crops, Farm Business Management, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Manufacturing, Permanent & Specialty Crops, Sustainability

R&D Tax Credit Changes for 2022 Tax Year

As a reminder, the 2022 tax season represents a drastic change for manufacturers who typically take research and development (R&D) tax credits. Previously, in respect

Accounting, Biofuels, Food And Beverage, Manufacturing

Guidance for Setting Science-Based Targets for Your Ag Operation

As the world strives towards a zero-carbon economy, more than 4,000 businesses worldwide have committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the Science-Based Target

Animal Protein, Commodity Crops, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Permanent & Specialty Crops, Sustainability

A Look at the Modern Audit: Are You Missing Out?

While most companies think of audits as an annual necessity, the vast majority typically keep to the same old standards and don’t know to ask

Accounting, Audit & Assurance, Beverage Distribution, Biofuels, Construction, Equipment Dealers, Financial Institutions, Food And Beverage, Manufacturing, Strategic Advisory

Sustainability Targets for Cow-Calf and Feedyard Sectors: How to Set and Meet these Goals

With the announcement by the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (USRSB) of sustainability goals for the entire U.S. beef supply chain, cow-calf and feedyard operations

Animal Protein, Food And Beverage, Sustainability

How to Secure a Business Network

There are four primary cyber security measures that every business should implement to secure its network. The cycle to follow includes: identification, protection, detection, and

Equipment Dealers, Food And Beverage, Manufacturing

Ag Industry to See Ripple Effects from War in Ukraine

From Ag trade and government agencies to the farmers prepping fields for Spring planting, there is one certainty stemming from the Russian invasion of Ukraine:

Animal Protein, Biofuels, Commodity Crops, Farm Business Management, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Government & Public Affairs, Permanent & Specialty Crops

Wind and Solar Offer Diversified Revenue for U.S. Farmers and Ranchers

Food and fiber aren’t the only commodities U.S. farmers and ranchers will bring to market in the next decade. Look for solar and wind ventures

Animal Protein, Commodity Crops, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Permanent & Specialty Crops

A Steady Shift in Ag: More Female Farmers Than Ever

Over the past few years, U.S. agriculture has seen more women coming back to join their family farms. “Women have realized it takes brains, not

Animal Protein, Commodity Crops, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Permanent & Specialty Crops

3 Ways Producers Can Prepare for the Future of Carbon Opportunities

There are some important lessons garnered from 2021’s exploratory year for growers considering carbon sequestration. Pinion’s Advisory team recommends three things you can do now

Animal Protein, Commodity Crops, Farm Program Services, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Government & Public Affairs, Sustainability

What’s Ahead for the Carbon Market

What a year it’s been for carbon markets. The subject has really taken the food and agriculture industry by storm. After many months of discussion,

Animal Protein, Commodity Crops, Farm Program Services, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Permanent & Specialty Crops, Sustainability

Estate Tax Planning: Possible Changes Ahead

No matter what the presidential outcome, there was never any question that the outlook for estate tax planning would be different in 2021. How much

Accounting, Animal Protein, Beverage Distribution, Biofuels, Commodity Crops, Construction, Equipment Dealers, Farm Business Management, Financial Institutions, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Government & Public Affairs, Manufacturing, Next Gen Strategy, Permanent & Specialty Crops, Strategic Advisory

Business Tax Update: New 1099 Nonemployee Compensation Tax Form for 2020 Tax Year

After a 38-year absence, Form 1099 Nonemployee Compensation Tax has made its return in the 2020 tax year, and its January 31 deadlines are right

Accounting, Animal Protein, Commodity Crops, Construction, Equipment Dealers, Financial Institutions, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Manufacturing, Permanent & Specialty Crops

Webinar Series Announced for Farmers from U.S. and India

National food and agriculture business consulting firm K·Coe Isom, together with Mann Deshi Foundation of India, have announced a webinar series aimed to help farmers

Commodity Crops, Food And Beverage, Government & Public Affairs, Permanent & Specialty Crops

Business Tax Update: Many Meal and Entertainment Deductions Have Increased

In an effort to provide additional stimulus funding, The Consolidated Appropriations Act was signed by the President on December 27, 2020. Included in the guidance

Accounting, Biofuels, Equipment Dealers, Financial Institutions, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Manufacturing, Permanent & Specialty Crops

KCoe Advisors Earn Credential to Help Food & Ag Businesses Improve Sustainability Performance and Reporting

KCoe Isom is excited to announce that sustainability advisor Lisa Becker has completed the training and testing required to become credentialed as a The Sustainability

Food And Beverage, Permanent & Specialty Crops, Sustainability

Advocating for the Future of Family Farms: A Plea for Critical Regulation Change

Working on behalf of American Food & Agriculture businesses, K·Coe Isom submitted an open letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue on October 28, 2020 regarding

Accounting, Animal Protein, Commodity Crops, Farm Business Management, Farm Program Services, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Government & Public Affairs, Permanent & Specialty Crops, Strategic Advisory

Money Watch for Manufacturers: Making Proactive Supply Chain Decisions Now Can Add Up

With major disruptions accelerating the “reshoring” of manufacturing back to the U.S. – the trade war and import tariffs, and now the pandemic – the

Food And Beverage, Manufacturing, Strategic Advisory, Sustainability

The New Normal for Managing Forecasts and Cash Flow: 3 Steps to Move Business Forward

Managing cash flow forecasting is, and will always be, integral elements to business success. But 2020 has changed the course of ‘business as usual’ for

Accounting, Biofuels, Food And Beverage, Manufacturing, Strategic Advisory

PPP Applicants are Stuck Fighting Fraud due to Security Breaches

In recent weeks, we have learned of an uptick in fraud cases for businesses who have applied for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds for coronavirus

Biofuels, Commodity Crops, Construction, Equipment Dealers, Financial Institutions, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Manufacturing, Permanent & Specialty Crops

Food, Beverage and Manufacturing Companies Face New Risks Due to COVID-19 Contagion

The effects of the Coronavirus pandemic are far from over. Though most Manufacturing Companies are in the midst of a gradual return to the workplace,

Food And Beverage, Manufacturing, Sustainability

Fed Provides Clarity on Main Street Lending Program for Small and Medium-size Businesses

Following its release of the Main Street Lending (MSL) program three weeks ago, the Federal Reserve has issued more detail on guidance, answered Frequently Asked

Accounting, Equipment Dealers, Food And Beverage, Strategic Advisory

When Can Farmers Expect Benefits from China Trade Agreement?

USDA Secretary Perdue called the January 15, 2020 China Trade Agreement a “bonanza” for U.S. ag, but it could be a while before farmers reap

Animal Protein, Commodity Crops, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Permanent & Specialty Crops

Getting Ahead of Carbon Regulation: 4 Action Items for Businesses

With the intent to deliver practical actions to address global greenhouse gas emissions, the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit is underway in New

Accounting, Biofuels, Food And Beverage, Manufacturing, Sustainability

Food & Beverage Blockchain: Hit or Miss for Your Business?

While much of the “buzz” on blockchain today has focused on its uses in the cryptocurrency world, it has become a technological game-changer for the

Food And Beverage

IRS Issues Small Business Reminders

‘Small Business Week’ prompted the IRS to publish reminders for entrepreneurs and businesses on how they can better estimate their tax situation and plan ahead.

Accounting, Beverage Distribution, Construction, Equipment Dealers, Financial Institutions, Food And Beverage, Manufacturing

Executive Fatigue Has Costly Repercussions for Business

If you’ve ever sent or received a text or an email, then you understand the effects that the perceived tone can have on how the

Beverage Distribution, Equipment Dealers, Financial Institutions, Food And Beverage, HR Services

How Business Owners Can Avoid Costly Mistakes

It’s inevitable. One day, you will step down from running your business. The timing and transition for when and to whom you relinquish control are

Beverage Distribution, Biofuels, Construction, Equipment Dealers, Food And Beverage, Manufacturing, Next Gen Strategy

How Behavioral Change Benefits the Bottom Line

As a business owner or high-level manager, you have the enormous power to effect change in behavior patterns – for both the individuals and groups

Biofuels, Construction, Equipment Dealers, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Manufacturing

New Opportunity Zone Tax Benefits Make an Attractive Investment

Established within the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the new Opportunity Zone legislation was created to develop economically-distressed communities across the United States

Accounting, Biofuels, Construction, Equipment Dealers, Financial Institutions, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Manufacturing

Don’t Forget: 2019 Standard Mileage Rates Have Changed

The IRS issued an increase in the standard mileage rates for business travel, effective January 1, 2019, under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of

Accounting, Beverage Distribution, Biofuels, Construction, Equipment Dealers, Financial Institutions, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Manufacturing

Tax Reform Prompts Businesses to Rethink Employee Leave Policies

While there tends to be focus on the larger line items resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, there are some lesser-known

Accounting, Biofuels, Construction, Equipment Dealers, Financial Institutions, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Manufacturing

Craft Brewers Leaving R&D Tax Credits Untapped

Opportunities Available to Reduce Income Tax Liabilities for Craft Brewers Tax reform has created ample changes for businesses, as well as confusion in the craft

Food And Beverage

Determining Sales & Use Tax – What Manufacturers Need to Know

Earlier this summer, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its opinion in South Dakota v. Wayfair, stating that a physical presence is no longer required to

Biofuels, Food And Beverage, Manufacturing

Tax Update: Entertainment Deduction Clarified

The most current information for 2021 meal and entertainment deduction for tax returns is available here. On October 3, the IRS issued a new guidance

Food And Beverage

How Safe is Your Financial Data?

Recent national cybercrime headlines: “Cybercriminals Obtain Employee Credentials to Conduct Payroll Diversion” “Business Email Compromises Business Data” “Increase in W-2 Phishing Campaigns” Imagine if you

Accounting, Biofuels, Equipment Dealers, Financial Institutions, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Manufacturing

How HR Outsourcing is Saving Large and Small Operations

In an age of skilled labor shortages and tight profit margins, the expenditure on HR Outsourcing might not be top of mind for many companies.

Biofuels, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Manufacturing

How the Trade War is Affecting U.S. Agriculture

The United States has instigated an aggressive global trade war that is escalating and directly harming many U.S. agricultural producers by driving up the costs

Biofuels, Commodity Crops, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Manufacturing, Permanent & Specialty Crops

Midyear Tax Checkup Pays Off for Manufacturers

The new provisions for 2018 have changed a multitude of tax deductions, exemptions, rates and brackets. Now that the fanfare around the ‘first tax reform

Accounting, Biofuels, Food And Beverage, Manufacturing

Are You Correctly Tracking Business Deductions for Meals and Entertainment?

Here’s an update to the following blog that you may be interested in: Tax Update: Entertainment Clarified Businesses of all sizes and across all industries

Food And Beverage

Ag Exporters Visit Japan to Explore New Business

Following a visit in May to China, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney is currently finishing

Food And Beverage, Government & Public Affairs

Farm Bill Revival Announced from Senate Committee – What’s It Mean for Farmers?

The Senate Agriculture Committee is moving forward with the 2018 Farm Bill Revival in a reportedly ‘bipartisan’ fashion and has released its draft of the

Commodity Crops, Equipment Dealers, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Government & Public Affairs, Next Gen Strategy

The California Crop that’s Getting a Lot of Buzz

Traditionally thought to be grown primarily in the Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washington, and Idaho), U.S. hops production has taken on a strong presence in California

Food And Beverage

U.S. Ag Exporters Eye Southern China

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is exploring new business connections in southern China. Through a trade mission scheduled for May 21-25, 2018, Secretary for Trade

Food And Beverage

Farm Bill Update

Will the Farm Bill Pass in the House? In a continued effort to secure support for the farm bill, set to expire in September, House

Commodity Crops, Equipment Dealers, Farm Program Services, Food & Agriculture, Food And Beverage, Government & Public Affairs, Next Gen Strategy