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As profit margins tighten, debt management is critical
As tighter margins pressure farm finances, lenders are seeing producers rely more heavily on borrowed capital to cover operating expenses. At the same time, higher interest rates are increasing the cost of carrying that debt. Chad Gent, senior vice president of retail credit with Farm Credit Services of America, said that is making cash flow management increasingly important. Gent said the impact of higher interest rates varies widely among operations, depending on their financial position and...
New WOTUS rule finally provides much-needed clarity
The EPA and Army Corps of Engineers recently announced a new Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule. After years of asking for more clarity, farmers are finally gaining a clear understanding of the federal government’s jurisdiction. American Farm Bureau President Zippy...
Digital crop acreage reporting goes national
A USDA crop acreage reporting pilot program that operated this summer in 12 Farm Service Agency county offices is now operational nationwide. That is USDA Farm Production Undersecretary Richard Fordyce who says that the 12 county offices that used the pilot program...
Late-season weather adds uncertainty to Midwest corn and soybeans
Weather remains a concern for U.S. corn and soybean producers as harvest begins following a growing season marked by periods of excessive rainfall and extreme heat. Flooding during August damaged crops in portions of the Midwest after some areas received more than 12...
UPL sees growing role for biological crop nutrition
Biological products are becoming a larger part of the crop nutrition conversation as companies look for new ways to help crops access nutrients throughout the growing season. UPL is putting more emphasis on that space as it expands beyond the post-patent crop...
Lofty market prices are worth making a plan for
U.S. grain prices are historically high as we enter harvest season, which provides a very unique marketing opportunity for Iowa producers. However, it can be difficult to chase a market rally and worry about harvest at the same time. Micheal Weidner, director of grain...
Grassley: House-Senate Farm Bill pre-conferencing is likely underway
House and Senate Ag staff are likely trying to iron out farm bill differences ahead of the Senate’s return next week to save time, according to a key senator. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says he’s optimistic about the process. Pre-conferencing could speed the farm...
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Oil prices move lower in response to peace talk rumors
After weeks of steady improvement, oil prices traded lower to start this week as they were down 4-5% in Monday’s trading action. Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst at Gasbuddy.com, said the markets are likely hopeful that the Trump administration is going to...
Naig warns against rushing fall applications
Recent rains have delayed harvest across Iowa, but the wet conditions are also putting more attention on water quality and how farmers manage nutrients and conservation practices heading into the fall. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says the recent rainfall...
USDA moving to modernize farm loan programs
The USDA is making efforts to streamline the farm loan process, but that’s only one piece of the puzzle that is the current farm economy. The changes to the farm loan program come as farmers face increasingly tight profit margins and greater credit demand. Danny...
ARC and PLC enrollment underway
Enrollment is open now for acreage in the ARC or PLC safety net programs. USDA Farm Production Undersecretary Richard Fordyce says enrollment is open through early December for farmers to choose either program. Fordyce explains the ARC safety net program. He says that...
South American Weather and Crop Update (9-22-26)
As planting for the next crop season continues in South America, a shift to a rainier weather pattern is providing a boost to the crops that are in the ground already. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest conditions in Brazil and...
