Top Producer
The Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act, which builds on the proposal Stabenow released in May, includes $39 billion in new resources “to keep farmers farming, families fed and rural communities strong.”
Trump garnered even stronger support in rural America versus his still robust rural vote in this first administration. That is likely a backlash against the ag policy moves of the Biden/Harris administration that focused on underserved and minority rural citizens.
Yes, the Fed is cutting interest rates but the agency can only influence mid- and long-term rates. Concerns about inflation are pushing those rates back up again.
Which Presidential Candidate Is More Likely to Tame Inflation or Support Farm Policies and Biofuels?
Ahead of the election, the October Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor asked economists which presidential candidate will be better for agriculture on taming inflation, providing more certainty on farm policy, as well as more likely to support biofuels policies.
The key to a successful farm business that makes it to the third, fourth and fifth generation is learning to go from being the star quarterback calling all the shots to being that of a coach or a mentor to the next generation.
The October Monthly Monitor reflects cautious optimism in certain areas of agriculture, marked by export strengths and potential price recoveries, but shadowed by long-term rebuilding challenges, weather dependencies and the impact of the upcoming election.
With a resolute desire to continually improve, McCarty Family Farms has grown exponentially over the years thanks to determination, innovation, strategic planning and community support.
As agriculture faces multiple challenges, USDA’s latest net farm income forecast is masking the reality for farmers. While livestock margins have improved for 2024, high input costs and below breakeven prices for row crops means margins could be the worst in nearly 20 years.
For long-term success, farm leaders should regularly assess the landscape of their operation and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Prioritizing culture is often overlooked when it comes to employee management and retention.
Leading financial experts underscore the importance of farmers understanding the do’s and don’ts of a Line of Credit that will help producers during the downside of the rollercoaster markets they have gotten to know.
The new numbers show that net farm income will fall $6.5 billion or 4.4%. This is compared to projections released in February suggesting it would fall 26%.
USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) will provide an updated 2024 net farm income forecast on Thursday. Economists say the net farm income picture would look even worse it weren’t for improved livestock prices.
Matt Gunderson, vice president of Farmers National Company, says having these advisers will give your plan the sturdiest foundation.
Scott Brown, a professor at the University of Missouri, shares what he’s seeing in the beef, pork and dairy sectors
This decision marks a significant transformation in Vance’s political career, as he has evolved from being a vocal critic of Trump during the 2016 election to becoming a staunch ally and supporter of the former president.
Headwinds in interest rates, inflation and commodity prices seem to have little impact on land values, though single-digit decreases in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio have been reported.
The Federal Reserve has four more chances this calendar year to cut interest rates. Since July 2023, the system has kept its benchmark interest rate steady at a 23-year high of 5.25% to 5.5%.
The Federal Reserve voted to keep the benchmark interest rate steady despite a sticky inflation proving to be a challenge. Where could interest rates go? A conversation with Austan Goolsbee, president of the Chicago Fed.
When raised by farmers, our earliest lessons in leadership, stewardship and life in general occur with the rhythms of the seasons. It turns out, even in a season of loss the learning continues.
As multiple weeks of significant rainfall pushes planting progress far behind last year’s pace, Scott Irwin, professor at the University of Illinois, says these delays may not affect corn yields as much as you think.
Paul Neiffer reviews the important updates to the new Farm Bill proposals from the House Ag Committee.
Finding skilled labor is a major challenge. However, there are strategies farmers can use to make their operations more attractive workplaces. And here’s the good news—it doesn’t necessarily require offering higher pay.
Kyle Scheele shares six ways constraints can be a good thing to your operation.
Jim Rothermich of Iowa Appraisals shares what he expects from land values in the year ahead.
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.
In their January 2024 land values report, Farmers National Company shared that the sharp increase in farmland values has slowed, and values are holding strong.
According to Shuring, what may be considered equal doesn’t always make sense when the succession plan involves family members who actively work on the farm, and others who do not.
CoBank has released their 2024 outlook report, which takes a look at the key themes the organization expects to shape agricultural and the rural economy in the coming year.