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Self-Propelled Spraying: Machinery Ownership vs. Custom Hire

September 12, 2017

When crop producers are determining whether it is feasible to purchase a self-propelled sprayer, it is imperative to compare machine ownership costs to custom hire charges.

Red Ink Reappears in the Cattle Finishing Sector

September 12, 2017

Cattle finishing net returns were positive from December 2016 through August 2017. Moreover, net returns were above $300 per head during March, April, and May.

Farm Machinery Costs and Custom Rates

August 29, 2017

This article compares machinery costs per acre for a case farm to custom rates associated with a field cultivation operation and a self-propelled sprayer operation.

Farmland Values and Cash Rental Rates – 2017 Indiana Land Values Survey

August 16, 2017

Recorded August 16, 2017 | James Mintert and Michael Langemeier talk about Indiana farmland values and cash rents and their continued downward adjustments.

Cattle on Feed Inventory Remains Higher Than a Year Ago

August 13, 2017

USDA released its August Cattle on Feed report on August 25, along with the monthly Livestock Slaughter report. The two reports provide some updated information to use in projecting future cattle and beef supplies.

Managerial Experience and Competitive Advantage

August 12, 2017

One of the ways a farm can gauge whether it has a long-term competitive advantage is to identify resources unique to the farm. To survive in the short-run, farms have to be able to exploit key resources.

Increase in U.S. Calf Crop Points Towards Larger Beef Supplies in 2018-2019

July 27, 2017

This is the third consecutive year that the calf crop size has increased after bottoming out at 33.5 million head in 2014.

Does Your Farm Need to Expand?

July 12, 2017

There are numerous motivations for farms to expand their businesses. Even in today’s environment of tight margins, many farms are exploring expansion options.

Evaluating Strategic Options

July 12, 2017

Sound strategic planning requires assessing strategic risk, which involves the sensitivity of a farm’s strategic direction, and the ultimate vulnerability and sustainability of the farm to uncertainties in the business climate.