The planning process presented in the paper outlines several methods of analysis that farm business managers can use to choose among three business position options. The five forces model is an effective tool for scanning the external business environment and assessing a business's internal resources and capabilities. The value plate will assist managers in identifying the activities upon which a business may build a competitive advantage. Once these are assesses, managers must select a strategic position from three options: operational excellence/cost leadership, product or service innovation, and customer intimacy.