Latest News From Sara Schafer

For 14 straight months, the rural economy has posted healthy and consistent growth.

Become a master time manager in 2022

Craft a plan to up your farm’s strategic direction.

How will she impact drought conditions in 2022?

Be ready for new ways to finance your farm.

From droughts to hurricanes to wildfires, this year has offered a little of everything when it comes to weather.

How can you get back on track with your succession plan? Focus on a contingency plan, a cash-flow plan and communication plan.

Manage risks before they catch you off guard.

Gratitude is like a muscle, the more you exercise it the stronger it becomes.

Open communication and succession planning help farm families maintain profits and healthy personal relationships.

The difference between strategy and serendipity is small when you are prepared.

For nearly a year, the rural economy has shown consistent growth, according to the Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI).

Business growth can mean more acres, employees or revenue. What does it mean to you?

The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index is a monthly measure of how much Americans are spending on goods and services. So far in 2021, the PCE has shown a sharp uptick.

Before you increase your fixed assets, define your goals and set limitations — in other words create a capital expenditure budget.

It might be time to expand tech expertise on your operation.

You would much rather spend your time doing versus sitting and thinking. But, if you aren’t consistently thinking about the future of your farm, who is?

In 2021, you have the choice to join #FJFieldDays in person or online. Join us at a location near you or login online to find educational content, industry insights and more.

Proper farm insurance, which can include property insurance, general liability insurance and workers compensation, provide large operations with protection and peace of mind. 

In 2021, you have the choice to join Farm Journal Field Days in person or online.

Is your operation poised for financial stability? 

Rural America continues to see strong economic gains. For the eighth straight month, the Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index remained above growth neutral.

The concept and calculation of return on investment (ROI) is pretty simple. Yet, it is often poorly defined and poorly understood.

As planting season winds down, it’s time to review, update and forecast your farm budget.

While you may be used to summer’s sizzling temperatures, your team could face serious danger.

Look at the decision makers and leaders on your farm. Are they all around the same age? Do they all have the same experience level?

USDA is continuing its rollout of aid to segments of the agriculture industry impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Research repeatedly proves employee-referred candidates are three times more likely to be a good match for the job.

To build a more resilient supply chain, the White House just published a 250-page report with assessments and an expansive list of recommendations.

Many economic factors are at play in the ag industry, everything from stimulus money to higher commodity prices to historically low interest rates. How will these issues impact your farm?

The latest round of agricultural credit condition surveys from the Federal Reserve banks shows improved strength in the agricultural economy.

You’ve taught your kids how to drive tractors, herd cattle and identify weeds. But have you passed on your money and management skills?

The American Families Plan provides direct and indirect benefits to families. It also raises a lot of key questions for farmers and their succession plans.

Warren Buffett has been the chairman of Berkshire Hathaway since 1970. He is routinely asked for his advice by students and others in the business. Here are a few of his tips.

This business practice reduces employee expenses and optimizes asset needs.

The April farmland price index climbed to 78.6 — the highest level since 2012.

Compared to an annual performance review, a ‘stay meeting’ focuses on improvement rather than what we did wrong last year.

Dream big and take your farm to a new success level.

The strength and timing of the economic recovery are contingent on three uncertain factors.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed your farm. Some changes may be subtle, while others are drastic.

To enter the best mindset for learning, attend a short Top Producer Summit webinar this week.

The rural economy is slowly improving after being crashed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Family culture, thoughtful benefits create low team turnover.

New years can be intimidating and agonizing, especially after all the hardships and challenges of 2020. Instead of being demotivated, what about making 2021 a rebuilding year?

Prioritize your efforts to transform your business.

Key forces are converging to send farmland values higher — maybe even to historic levels.

You’ve thought about who will run your farm in the future. You may have even identified the next leader. But have you shared those plans and dreams with your team?

Learn how to avoid these frustrating and deal-breaking mistakes.

As the COVID-19 pandemic became part of our daily lives, it highlighted the need for succession and contingency planning. 

Multiyear budgets provide focus and remove surprises.