Indiana Corn and Soybean Basis Rally Heading into November

November 8, 2024

In the month leading up to the most recent crop basis update, distinct trends in the Northern and Southern parts of Indiana were observable. Over the past three weeks, there has been a consistent basis strengthening across Indiana for both corn and soybeans. In every part of the state, corn and soybean basis were greater on November 6th than on October 10th. In most cases, this has meant that basis levels have exceeded the three-year average for the first time this year.

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Farmer Sentiment in October Rebounded Ahead of the U.S. Election

November 5, 2024

Farmer sentiment saw an unexpected surge in October ahead of the upcoming U.S. election, according to the latest Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. The index rose to 115, marking a 27-point increase from September. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier share some insight into the results of the October 2024 Ag Economy Barometer survey, conducted from Oct. 14-18, 2024, on this Purdue Commercial AgCast episode.

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Flexible vs. Fixed Cash Rent Farmland Leases

October 25, 2024

Feeling like your cash rent is too high this year? Tune into this AgCast episode as we discuss farmland rental agreements, with a focus on flexible cash rent leases versus traditional cash rental and crop share arrangements. A comparison of cropland flex leases to cash rental agreements is provided with insights from the 2024 Purdue Farmland and Cash Rental Rate Survey. The discussion covers cash rental trends in west central Indiana, the economic factors influencing changes in rental rates, and the relationship between net returns to land and cash rental rates. They also discuss the benefits and challenges associated with flex leases, emphasizing the importance of clear agreements.

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Exploring the Organic Grain Industry: Challenges and Opportunities

October 18, 2024

In this episode of the Purdue Commercial AgCast, Chad Fiechter hosts Michael O’Donnell, a regional manager at Belltown Farms, who focusing on converting conventional farms to organic. Michael shares insights on crop rotations, equipment, personnel, and market demands, emphasizing the shift towards domestic organic grain production. The episode concludes with optimism for the future of organic farming and Michael’s dedication to promoting sustainable agriculture.

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Northern Indiana Corn Basis Begins Weaker, but Narrows Gap with Southern Indiana as Harvest Proceeds

October 11, 2024

Through the first month of the 2024-2025 marketing year, two distinct patterns in Indiana corn basis have emerged. First, basis levels in the Northern and Eastern parts of the state began September significantly lower than those in Southern Indiana. The second trend involved changes in regional corn basis through September.

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The 2024-25 Financial Downturn: Who is the Most Vulnerable

October 2, 2024

Midwest crop producers have experienced a significant downturn in corn, soybean, and wheat prices since the beginning of the year and farm incomes are expected to be much lower in 2024 than they have been the last three to four years. Moreover, current expectations are that prices will continue to remain at or below the cost of production for at least a couple more years. Consequently, a key question being asked is as follows: “who is the most vulnerable financially during this downturn”?

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Farmer Sentiment Reaches Lowest Levels Since 2016 as Income Expectations Weaken

October 1, 2024

The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer recorded its lowest readings since March 2016 in September. Declining income expectations pushed farmer sentiment down as the barometer fell 12 points to 88. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier share some insight into the results of the September 2024 Ag Economy Barometer survey on this Purdue Commercial AgCast episode.

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(Part 2) 2024 Indiana Cash Rent Trends

September 26, 2024

Negotiating cash rental rates? This AgCast episode explores 2024 farmland cash rent trends in the Purdue Farmland Value and Cash Rental Rates survey and long-term trends in Indiana cash rental rates, including an examination of regional variation in rates within Indiana. The discussion concludes by examining the relationship between cash rental rates and estimated net returns to land as well as the long-term farmland price to cash rent ratio.

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Connecting Soil Health to Economics: A Look at Balancing Farm Goals

September 16, 2024

Michael Langemeier presented at the Regional Conservation Finance Ag Educator Training in Arlington, WI on September 16, 2024, on connecting soil health to economics and looking at formulating and priortizing farm goals.

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The Economics of Reduced Tillage and Cover Crops: Exploring Aggregated Data

September 16, 2024

Michael Langemeier presented at the Regional Conservation Finance Ag Educator Training in Arlington, WI on September 16, 2024, on the economics of reduced tillage and cover crops.

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2023 Farm Custom Rates for Indiana

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