Is your farm business prepared for the future? Maria Marshall and Renee Wiatt join host Brady Brewer in this episode to discuss how the many generations of family engaged in a family business interact with one another. One of the challenges in a family business is understanding the differences in generational perspectives on the business and possib…

Three broad-based measures of farmer sentiment improved in July as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer Index rose 8 points to 113, the Index of Current Conditions increased by 10 points to 100, and the Index of Future Expectations at 119 was 7 points higher than a month earlier. Despite declines in corn and soybean prices, Eastern …

Labor availability and labor retention are big issues in the U.S. economy and that's especially true for agribusiness firms and for commercial scale farm operations. According to the latest Purdue Agricultural Job Market Report, job postings are up by 50%. More employers are seeking entry-level candidates with higher levels of education. Additional…

Farmer sentiment drifted downward in June as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer reading of 105 was 3 points lower than a month earlier. The overall decline in sentiment was due to a five-point drop in the Index of Future Expectations, which fell to 112, while the June Current Conditions Index increased to 90, 1 point higher than t…

In this episode of the Purdue Commercial AgCast, host Brady Brewer is joined by Dr. Maria Marshall and Renee Wiatt to explore the crucial topic of farm succession planning and retirement preparedness. They discuss the findings of a recent survey conducted across the Midwest, examining the readiness of farm families to transition their businesses to…

In the third episode of the strategic risk series, the Purdue University Center for Commercial Agriculture's team of ag economists, James Mintert, Michael Langemeier, and Brady Brewer discuss the tradeoff between improving efficiency and resilience of the farm business. This episode provides a series of questions you can use to help evaluate tradeo…

U.S. farmers’ outlook improved in May as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer index rose to 108, marking a 9-point increase from April. Both of the barometer’s subindices saw increases, with the Index of Future Expectations climbing 11 points to 117 and the Current Conditions Index rising 6 points. The rise in crop prices played a r…

In the second episode of the strategic risk series, the Purdue University Center for Commercial Agriculture’s James Mintert, Michael Langemeier, and Brady Brewer provide examples of strategic risks and discuss ways agricultural producers can make their farm operation more resilient to strategic risks. They wrap up their discussion with a scenario-b…

Dig into strategic risk management for farm businesses with the Purdue University Center for Commercial Agriculture. Join James Mintert, Michael Langemeier, and Brady Brewer as they discuss what strategic risks are and how to start thinking about your farm's ability to withstand shocks. The team of ag economists also discuss how important it can be…

April witnessed a steep decline in U.S. farmer sentiment, as indicated by the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer, which fell 15 points from March to a reading of 99. April marked the lowest farmer sentiment reading since June 2022 and the weakest current condition rating since May 2020. The sentiment decline was driven by worries rega…

Total operator interest expense over the past year has increase 43%, leading producers to seek answers among a diversified agricultural credit space. From traditional lenders in ag, like the farm credit system and commercial banks or more non-traditional lenders like implement dealers and co-ops - How do these lenders compare? Host Brady Brewer, ac…

U.S. farmers’ perspective on the future improved in March helping to push the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer up 3 points from February to a reading of 114. The Index of Current Conditions at 101 was 2 points below a month earlier while the Index of Future Expectations reached 120, 5 points higher than in February. The split betwee…

The latest Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer reveals a modest increase in farmer sentiment compared to the previous month, though concerns remain regarding farm financial performance in the year ahead. The barometer rose in February posting a reading of 111, 5 points higher than a month earlier. The modest rise in the barometer was a…

This episode of the Purdue Commercial AgCast is a great opportunity for producers to review their crop insurance choices for the upcoming season. Purdue University Center for Commercial Agriculture’s ag economists Michael Langemeier and James Mintert and Brad Lubben, policy specialist and extension associate professor from the University of Nebrask…

Brad Lubben, policy specialist and extension associate professor from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joins Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier for a discussion on key 2024 farm program details. They highlight differences between the PLC and ARC programs for the 2024 crop year and how benefits from the two programs are lik…

Join host Brady Brewer for an episode with Purdue ag economist Michael Langemeier as they discuss USDA's latest farm income forecast for February 2024. Net farm income is expected to decline by 25% but remain near the long-run average. Gain insight into various crop and livestock sectors as they discuss enterprise revenues, farm household income, p…

Farmer sentiment took a downturn at the start of 2024 as the January Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer Index fell to a reading of 106, 8 points below a month earlier. Compared to year-end, producers had a more negative outlook of their farms’ current situation along with a weakened outlook for the future as the Current Conditions Ind…

Host Brady Brewer recaps Michael Langemeier and Margaret Lippsmeyer's presentation on farm agility and resilience at the 2024 Top Farmer Conference. The discussion revolves around the importance of strategic risk management and the factors that contribute to a farm's resilience. Dr. Langemeier and Margaret highlight the relationships between farm g…

Host Brady Brewer discussed the "boom" in renewable diesel and its expected impact on the soybean market with Dr. Scott Irwin, a professor of agricultural economics at the University of Illinois. In addition to discussing the renewable diesel market, Dr. Irwin also provides insight into the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) market and potential impac…

Host Brady Brewer provides a recap of Dr. Chad Hart's presentation on the 2024 agricultural crop market outlook at the Purdue Top Farmer Conference. Dr. Hart, a professor and crop marketing specialist at Iowa State University, explores the shift to “normalcy” for crop prices and farm incomes in 2024. This episode also provides insights into the cha…

Join host Brady Brewer as he recaps Dr. Brad Lubben’s presentation on the 2024 ag policy outlook at the Purdue Top Farmer Conference. Dr. Lubben, an extension ag policy specialist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, navigates the complexities of the current farm bill landscape, detailing challenges faced in 2023 and how we ultimately ended up wi…

U.S. farmers’ sentiment changed very little in December compared to the preceding month. The Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer recorded a reading of 114, just one point lower than a month earlier. Both sub-indices of the barometer, the Index of Current Conditions and the Index of Future Expectations, also fell one point below their r…

Curious about the outlook for farm incomes in the coming year? Join host Brady Brewer in this episode with Purdue ag economist Michael Langemeier as they discuss farm income projections outlined in USDA's December Farm Income Forecast. Michael shares producer perspectives from the Ag Economy Barometer and takes a closer look on an Indiana case farm…

Agricultural producers’ sentiment increased for the second consecutive month, as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer index rose 5 points to a reading of 115, a 12% increase compared to the previous year. The sentiment growth is largely attributed to farmers’ improved perceptions of their farms’ financial conditions and prospects. T…

There was a slight uptick in agricultural producers’ sentiment in October, as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer index rose 4 points to a reading of 110. The modest improvement in farmer sentiment resulted from farmers’ improved perspective on current conditions on their farms as well as their expectations for the future. This mon…

Agricultural producers’ sentiment declined for the second month in a row during September as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer fell 9 points to a reading of 106. Weakening prices for major crops and ongoing concerns about high production costs and interest rates weighed on producers’ minds this month. This month’s Ag Economy Baro…

Join us in this episode as we dive into the latest USDA farm income forecast released in August 2023. Discover the factors behind a notable 23% drop in net farm income and gain insights into the impact on various commodities, from corn and soybeans to wheat, and even cow-calf operations. Stay informed about how the impact of rising inflation and in…

Producer sentiment was notably lower in August, as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer index dipped 8 points to a reading of 115. This month’s decline was fueled by producers’ weaker perception of current conditions both on their farms and in U.S. agriculture. The Current Conditions Index fell 13 points to a reading of 108. The Fut…

Discover how interest rates impact farming decisions, machinery choices, and the value of farmland. In this ag credit update podcast, Purdue ag economists Brady Brewer and Michael Langemeier discuss recent inflation trends, interest rate trajectories, loan markets and the ripple effects at the farm. Projections from producers on the latest Purdue U…

Purdue ag economists Todd Kuethe, James Mintert and Michael Langemeier discuss cash rental rates for Indiana farmland in this, the second of two episodes discussing the 2023 Purdue Farmland Values and Cash Rents Survey results. Each June, the department of agricultural economics surveys knowledgeable professionals regarding Indiana's farmland and c…

Purdue ag economists Todd Kuethe, James Mintert and Michael Langemeier discuss Indiana farmland values on this, the first of two episodes discussing the 2023 Purdue Farmland Values and Cash Rents Survey results. Each June, the department of agricultural economics surveys knowledgeable professionals regarding Indiana's farmland and cash rental marke…

Agricultural producer sentiment improved slightly in July as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose two points above its June reading to an index value of 123. This month's Ag Economy Barometer survey was conducted from July 10-14, 2023. The Ag Economy Barometer sentiment index is calculated each month from 400 U.S. agricultural …

Farmer Sentiment rebounded on more optimistic view of future in June as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose 17 points to a reading of 121. This month’s survey was conducted from June 12-16, 2023. The Ag Economy Barometer sentiment index is calculated each month from 400 U.S. agricultural producers’ responses to a telephone sur…

Greg and Jacob Rowland discuss their family's farm operation near Campbellsburg, Indiana with Purdue's James Mintert. Rowland Farms has been in operation since the late 1930's and will be featured as part of the Purdue Farm Management Tour on July 11, 2023 in Washington county, Indiana. Greg and Jenny Rowland took over the operation in 1989 and for…

Megan Vanliew and Jacquelyn Jansinski, daughters of Tom & Ruth Hackman, discuss their roles on the Hackman family's farm near Vallonia, Indiana with James Mintert. Hackman Family Farm Market is a diversified farm operation and will be featured as part of the Purdue Farm Management Tour on July 11, 2023. The Hackmans have augmented their row-crop op…

Soybean futures volatility increased sharply this week as futures prices responded to concerns about dry weather possibly impacting crop yields. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Nathanael Thompson discussed the updated soybean outlook on the latest Purdue Commercial AgCast video podcast. The Center's team reviewed this week's soybean crop con…

Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Nathanael Thompson discussed the updated corn outlook following USDA's June World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report on the latest Purdue Commercial AgCast podcast. The latest corn crop condition ratings were discussed along with implications for 2023 U.S. corn yield, production and carryover stocks…

Producer sentiment fell to its weakest reading since July 2022, as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer Index declined 19 points to a reading of 104 in May. This month’s survey was conducted from May 15-19, 2023. The Ag Economy Barometer sentiment index is calculated each month from 400 U.S. agricultural producers’ responses to a te…

Farmer sentiment improved modestly in April as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer reversed a two-month decline up 6 points to a reading of 123. This month’s survey was conducted from April 10-14, 2023. The Ag Economy Barometer sentiment index is calculated each month from 400 U.S. agricultural producers’ responses to a telephone s…

Purdue ag economists Nathanael Thompson and James Mintert explore what's been taking place in the Eastern Corn Belt on corn basis, the May/July CBT corn spread, as well as the July/September CBT corn spread, and later discuss how you might pursue some marketing strategies for the remainder of the '22 crop that you might have in storage. Podcast pro…

Farmer sentiment weakened again in March as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer fell 8 points to a reading of 117. Both the Index of Current Conditions and Index of Future Expectations declined 8 points in March leaving the Current Conditions Index at 126 and the Future Expectations Index at 113. Weaker prices for key commodities i…

On March 31st USDA released the Prospective Plantings and the March Grain Stocks reports, providing the first estimate of spring 2023 corn and soybean planting intentions. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier reviewed the information contained in both reports and discussed implications for the corn and soybean outlook in 2023. …

The Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer Index dipped 5 points in February to a reading of 125. Farmers’ perspectives regarding both current conditions on their farms and their expectations for the future both weakened. This month’s survey revealed that producers’ confidence in the future growth of U.S. agricultural exports continues to…

Farming is never the same from year to year - sometimes prices are good, net farm income is high, and other times margins are tight. Planning ahead, or contingency planning for financial hardship is important for any farm operation. In this final episode in the Farm Risk Management series, Purdue's Michael Langemeier and Ed Farris join Brady Brewer…

This episode of the Purdue Commercial AgCast is a great opportunity for producers to review their crop insurance choices for the upcoming season. Purdue University Center for Commercial Agriculture's ag economists Michael Langemeier and James Mintert walk participants through key considerations for their 2023 insurance options. In particular, they …

Product, price, place, and promotion are important in marketing to current and potential buyers. In this episode, a continuation of the Farm Risk Management series, Ariana Torres, Renee Wiatt, and Jenna Nees join Brady Brewer to discuss contingency planning for marketing risk management. This series is based on the Six Pillars of Farm Risk Manageme…

Farms and agribusinesses are confronted by many different types of risk in today's market, including social media. In this third episode in the Farm Risk Management series, Purdue University's Jenna Nees, Renee Wiatt and Ariana Torres join Brady Brewer to discuss social media's impact on businesses and how to build a contingency plan to protect you…

Purdue agricultural economists Nathanael Thompson, Michael Langemeier, and James Mintert discussed the corn and soybean outlook following USDA's February World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report and provided implications for crop marketing strategies on February 10, 2023. Monthly Outlook provided by Purdue University's Center f…

Why should you think like a Chief Financial Officer (CFO)? Every farm needs someone to fulfill the CFO role, with or without the title of CFO. Sometimes the role of an accountant and CFO are confused. A CFO uses accounting information to help project what's going to happen on a farm, going well beyond the accounting function. Most farms already hav…

The Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer Index rose again in January, to a reading of 130, 4 points above its 2022 year-end index value. The January survey results also pushed the index 34% above its 2022 low point which occurred last June. The barometer’s modest rise in January was primarily attributable to better expectations for the …