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AgCast 219: Why Profitable Farms Still Run Out of Cash

Farm profitability and cash flow are not the same thing — and many operations are feeling the pressure. In this episode of the Commercial AgCast, John Maman of Nutrien Financial discusses operating lines, financing strategies, input decisions, and how strong farms maintain flexibility during tighter margins.

Land Value Expectations Differ Among Farmers

Land values are influencing investment timing, financial outlook, and risk decisions on farms across the Midwest.

Comparing Corn Production Costs and Returns in the United States and Brazil

Brazil’s rise in corn production is reshaping global competition for U.S. producers. This analysis compares corn production costs, revenues, and profitability between Iowa and Mato Grosso farms from 2020–2024, highlighting how Brazil’s second-crop corn system lowers fixed costs while exposing farmers to greater fertilizer dependence and weather risk.

Basis Gains Slow as Historically Suggested Volatility Looms

Corn and soybean basis strengthened across much of the Eastern Corn Belt through late April and early May, though gains slowed significantly in recent weeks. Purdue’s May 2026 Basis Update examines regional basis differences, historical trends, and what producers may expect as volatility potentially increases heading into June.

Cutting Herbicide Costs? Here’s the Risk Farmers Miss

Herbicide program costs across Indiana vary widely due to differences in geography, weed pressure, and resistance management. In this Purdue Commercial AgBrief, Madisen Carns and Chad Fiechter explain how farmers are adapting weed control strategies across northern, central, and southern Indiana. The video highlights the growing importance of residual herbicides, layered programs, and long-term resistance management in protecting profitability and reducing operational risk.

Examining Tradeoffs between Conservation and Profitability

Conservation practices can improve soil health, reduce erosion, and lower greenhouse gas emissions—but they also create important profitability tradeoffs for commercial farms. This article explores how farms can evaluate competing goals such as conservation, profitability, and risk management using scenario analysis and long-run planning tools. Comparing practices like no-till, cover crops, and adding winter wheat to rotations, the analysis highlights why some conservation practices gain wider adoption than others and why long-term benefits often matter more than short-term economics.

AgCast 218: Farmer Sentiment Is Falling Amid Higher Input Costs

Farmer sentiment declined in April—the pressure on the farm economy is intensifying. In this episode of the Purdue Commercial AgCast, Joana Colussi and Michael Langemeier break down the April 2026 Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. We go beyond the report to unpack what’s happening behind the data—why costs are rising, how it’s affecting break-even prices and investment decisions, and where ag economists see the farm economy heading into 2026/27.

Farmer Sentiment Declines | Input Costs, Risk & 2026 Outlook

Farmer sentiment rose sharply in March, with the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer increasing 11 points as future expectations improved. Yet nearly 70% of producers still say it’s a bad time to invest, citing ongoing pressure from high input costs and weak output prices.

Farmer Sentiment Declines in April Amid Input Costs and Availability Concerns

Farmer sentiment declined in April with the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer, falling from 127 in March to 121. The drop reflects weaker confidence in current conditions, declining expectations for future performance, and continued concerns about input costs, availability, and global uncertainty. The Farm Capital Investment Index also fell to its lowest level since October 2024, signaling reduced willingness to make large investments. With two-thirds of producers expecting lower farm income in 2026 and many anticipating higher corn break-even prices, the report highlights growing financial pressure across U.S. agriculture.

Producer Sentiment and Land Value Expectations

Results from the March 2026 Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer reveal a clear divide in producer sentiment based on land value expectations. Farmers expecting declining land values report weaker financial performance outlooks, lower investment confidence, and greater concern about input costs. In contrast, those expecting rising land values are more optimistic and influenced by factors such as alternative investments. Tracking these differences provides important context for understanding shifts in the farm economy.

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