Latest News From Farm Business - General

David Muth of Peoples Company Capital Markets, the Investment platform for Peoples Company, shares how institutional investors have reacted to higher interest rates on their land investments pursuits.

Dr. Vince Malanga shares insights on the U.S. economic outlook, and what areas demand the most attention.

Corn planting is now 2% ahead of the five year national average, while soybeans are currently 4% ahead, according to the April 22, 2024, USDA Crop Progress report.

Unrelenting inflation continues to weigh down the U.S. economy and agriculture. Still, CoBank says it believes the Fed will stick with its decision to cut interest rates three times in 2024.

The Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor is a gauge of economists’ views on the ag economy. While outlooks have grown weaker, it’s the erosion in the future outlook that is sprouting fresh concerns.

Purdue's Ag Economy Barometer Index is up for March - something Jim Mintert says is a result of increased farmer optimism for the future.

Jeremy Bennett was prosecuted for denying the state entry to his private business.

Kyle Scheele shares six ways constraints can be a good thing to your operation.

Shay Foulk shares tips to help balance equipment debt, transition and economic downturn.

Mike Steenhoek, executive director at the Soy Transportation Coalition, shares what the collapse could mean for the supply chain.

Vanessa O'Brien shares the similar traits held by both farmers and explorers: courage, endurance, resilience and dedication.

Rising interest rates in the past few years have squeezed their margins for error. Higher operational costs, volatile markets and even more volatile weather make doing the Biggest Job on Earth harder than ever. 

Farm attorney Matt Folz shares the pros and cons of creating a charitable remainder trust.

What would you tell someone launching their farming career today? A panel of Illinois farmers recently shared some of their successes and setbacks along with a handful of recommendations for young or new farmers.

After launching an initial “frontrunner” a group in Illinois, Bayer says its Crop Science division is ready to roll out the company’s new operating model, Dynamic Shared Ownership (as it’s known internally, DSO).

Industry experts share what to include in a financial plan and where they'd consider making room in the budget.

Roger Reaves forged the most astounding farm life of modern times. Row crops to moonshine to marijuana to cocaine, he was the highest paid narco-pilot in history.

U.S. pork exports to Mexico hit the second-highest on record in January, while another major meat processor says it's shutting the doors on another pork processing plant as consolidation concerns continue to grow.

The first steps when building a farm shop are site selection and site preparation. Here are the necessary considerations, a few of which are sometimes overlooked.

Paul Neiffer, The Farm CPA, details some of the Biden administration's 2025 budget plans and how they could affect farmers if approved. Of the provisions, only one would potentially help farmers, he says.

“It’s in these challenging markets farmers need to think about driving more efficiency using technology,” says Darryl Matthews, a recently retired tech executive. Certain technologies can provide a short-term ROI.

The latest Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor projects a major drop in net farm income this year. Economists are also growing more pessimistic about the potential for interest rate cuts in 2024.

“We are a high-impact, mission-driven, life-science company with three strong businesses, but we have four challenges that urgently must be addressed,” said Bill Anderson.

When comparing 2023 to 2022, the average auction price for a John Deere S780 combine dropped $54,977, or 15.8%. How low will that number go?

Kevin Charleston, owner of Specialty Risk Insurance, shares a few ways to protect yourself and your operation against a gap in coverage.

Dynamic Shared Ownership reduces the layers and brings the business management closer to the customer.

Alan Hoskins, president of American Farm Mortgage, shares his expectations for the economy and how it changes the buying process.

USDA's Ag Outlook Forum in Washington, D.C., this past week confirmed growing stocks in 2024/2025. Analysts say without a sudden supply disruption, the commodity price outlook remains grim.

The IRS issued an alert warning taxpayers about the most common mistakes taxpayers make in regards to Employee Retention Credit claims. Make sure none of these mistakes apply to you.

USDA NASS has released the 2022 Census of Agriculture data, which revealed important information about the current state of agriculture.

“It’s hard to put yourself in growth mode when things are getting so expensive,” says Tanner Ehmke with CoBank.

The barometer reported its lowest reading since May 2023, falling seven points from December and 24 points from January 2023.

No step is too big for Top Producer finalist, PJ Haynie. Deep family roots are the foundation of his farming legacy. 

USDA announced more money to be paid to farmers who had qualifying disasters in 2020 and 2021. These payments will only be paid to farmers who collected payments under Phase 1 not Phase 2.

At Christiansen Land and Cattle, they’re committed to excellence and continuous improvement, a mindset that started when Christine Hamilton’s family homesteaded in South Dakota in 1891.

If you weren't able to attend Top Producer Summit in Kansas City, you can still watch the awards banquet.

As a sixth generation Iowa farmer, Pam Johnson has been sharing agriculture’s food, fiber and fuel stories her entire life.

According to two sources, in recent days the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York has interviewed former ADM employees, ramping up pressure on the global commodities giant.

Jim Rothermich of Iowa Appraisals shares what he expects from land values in the year ahead.

The annual American Soybean Association (ASA) Conservation Legacy Award Program announces its four regional winners for the 2024 Awards.

ICIS senior fertilizer editor Mark Milam shares that while the fertilizer market appears to be in good shape at the moment, there are a couple of important trends moving forward this spring.

In early January, Illinois crop budgets were revised for 2024. Farmers are predicted to lose $135 to $160 per acre for corn and $20 to $107 per acre for soybeans. What’s a farmer to do when news is a punch in the gut?

With recent turnover in company leadership, a divestment in its insurance business, and a growing list of partnerships, FBN is re-focusing its business. 

Ag economists’ views on the ag economy took a dive in the first Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor of 2024; however, relatively strong balance sheets and working capital could provide a cushion for 2024. 

Consultant Bruce Vande Steeg has found creating a vibrant farm business starts with the leadership.

Cotton growers are tough because they have to be. Cotton is a challenging crop to grow, especially in Southwestern states like Texas, where soaring temperatures meet chronic drought and other water restrictions.

This month’s Rural Mainstreet Index marks the fifth-straight month where the index has been below the growth neutral mark.

If the act passes, the major item that applies to farmers is that 100% bonus depreciation is allowed on 2023 returns. Therefore, farmers might want to wait to file their return until sometime in February.

Machinery Pete shares a unique combine recently listed for sale and what it means for your farm’s equipment plan going forward.

Vikram Luthar’s leave is pending an ongoing investigation being conducted by outside counsel for ADM and the Board’s Audit Committee.