As one of the most successful and longest-running management programs specifically crafted for farmers, the Purdue Top Farmer Conference is a one-day event for agricultural producers and agribusiness professionals looking to navigate the complexities of today's agricultural landscape. Participants will have the opportunity to network with peers and hear from farm management experts and agricultural economists from Purdue, Farm Credit Services of America, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Acres, a land value data analytics company.
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Audio Recording
Ag Innovation & Policy Direction: A Preview of Upcoming Purdue Top Farmer Conference
In this special edition of the Purdue Commercial AgCast, Matt Erickson, policy specialist at Farm Credit Services of America, and Chad Fiechter, research director at Purdue’s Center for Commercial Agriculture, join James Mintert to discuss their upcoming presentations at the Purdue Top Farmer Conference on January 10th. Erickson highlights the economic and policy issues under the new administration, including the impact of inflation, tariffs, and the farm bill. Fiechter introduces a new AI-powered app designed to help farmers easily calculate financial ratios using tax and balance sheet data.
Listen to this episodeFarmer sentiment jumped again in November, with the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer climbing 30 points to a reading of 145. This marked the highest level of farmer optimism since May 2021. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier share some insight into the results of the November 2024 Ag Economy Barometer survey, conducted Nov. 11-15, 2024, the week following the U.S. presidential election.
Listen to this episodeFarmer Sentiment in October Rebounded Ahead of the U.S. Election
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.
Listen to this episodeFlexible vs. Fixed Cash Rent Farmland Leases
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.
Listen to this episodeExploring the Organic Grain Industry: Challenges and Opportunities
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.
Listen to this episodeThe 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.
Listen to this episode(Part 2) 2024 Indiana Cash Rent Trends
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.
Listen to this episode(Part 1) 2024 Indiana Farmland Values & Market Trends
Interested in the latest trends and insights on U.S. & Indiana farmland values? This AgCast episode shares insights from the Farm Sector Balance Sheet, USDA data collection methods, regional variations in land values, and the influences of factors such as interest rates and development pressures on farmland prices. Gain an in-depth understanding of trends, market dynamics, and future expectations for farmland values.
Listen to this episodeWeakening Farm Income Prospects Weigh On Farmer Sentiment
The August Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer dropped 13 points from July to a reading of 100, echoing levels seen from fall 2015 to winter 2016 during the early stages of a significant downturn in the U.S. farm economy. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier share some insight into the results of the August 2024 Ag Economy Barometer survey on this Purdue Commercial AgCast episode.
Listen to this episodeMaria 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 possible succession. This AgCast episode reviews results from a recent survey conducted across the Midwest which examines generational differences within farm families seeking to transition their businesses to the next generation.
Listen to this episode