Top Stories
Rural Mainstreet Index climbed above growth neutral
For only the second time in 2025, the overall Rural Mainstreet Index climbed above a growth-neutral reading of 50.0. That’s according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in a rural ten-state region dependent on agriculture and energy. The December reading hit 50.1, its highest level since July 2025, and was up from November’s 44.0. The index ranges from 0 to 100, with 50.0 representing growth neutral. “Weak agriculture commodity prices and high input costs for grain producers continue to...
Propane supply chain looking good for 2024 harvest & beyond
The harvest will be here before we know it and it is time to think about getting everything ready for that upcoming season. One of the unsung heroes of our harvest is our grain drying systems. More systems are switching to propane fuels as they get upgraded. Of...
CLAAS FARMPOINT brings repair services directly to farmers
Suffering a breakdown during the crop season can be devastating, especially during planting or harvest. Not only do you have to determine what the problem is and attempt to fix it, but you also have to spend the time driving to the dealership to get the parts you...
USDA forecasts an increasing trade deficit in 2025
The USDA forecasted the agricultural trade deficit to increase sharply to a record $42.5 billion in the coming fiscal year. That compares to $30.5 billion this fiscal year, which ends September 30. The widening trade gap, a source of frustration for many farmers and...
Rebuilding of the beef cattle herd remains on hold
In the two or three years leading up to 2024, drought conditions led to a beef cattle herd contraction that is still in effect. Overall beef cattle numbers in the country remain historically low, and the rebuilding of the herd could be pushed into 2025 or beyond...
South American Weather and Crop Update (8-28-24)
While it’s not a huge market factor quite yet, there’s a notable level of dryness in Brazil. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather conditions in South America. Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state in Brazil, has started...
“Safety” is a way of life at Sukup
In the spring and fall we talk a lot about safety on the farm. During our busiest times of the year, it is easy to get in a hurry. Mother Nature doesn’t always give us a large window of opportunity, and you have to make hay when the sun shines. Or in our case at...
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More Ag News
CLAAS continuing to support farmers as dealer network shifts
This year saw a shift in the dealer network for CLAAS, as both Ziegler and Butler Ag Equipment decided to focus their efforts and no longer carry the CLAAS line. Daryl Theis, head of sales and marketing at CLAAS, said they appreciate the long partnership they had with...
December farm income forecast shows lower 2024 numbers
The USDA’s December Farm Income Report showed only a slight change from September’s numbers. Revised estimates in the 2024 Farm Income Forecast still show agriculture taking a big financial hit this year. Danny Munch, an economist at the American Farm Bureau...
Income prospects differ for livestock vs. crop producers
The farm income bottom line is vastly different this year for livestock producers compared to row crop farmers. Spiro Stefanou, Administrator of USDA's Economic Research Service, says that USDA’s farm income forecast for this year shows crop receipts down almost...
Farm sector profits forecast to fall in 2024
Net farm income, a broad measure of profits, is forecast at $149.7 billion in calendar year 2024, down by $6 billion, or 4.1 percent, relative to 2023. Inflation-adjusted farm income is forecast to drop by $9.5 billion, or 6.3 percent. Despite the predicted decline,...
Saving money on inputs doesn’t mean slash and burn
There are many conversations about how farms will save money in 2025. Producers are looking for ways to trim the budget, but cutting corners is a slippery slope. If you slash your inputs too much, your crops could be in serious danger. This year we heard many stories...
