December 5, 2014
Changing Business Climate for Agriculture and the Outlook for 2015
The period from 2006 through 2013 was very profitable for crop farms, but unprofitable for many livestock operations. But the business climate inagriculture changed in 2014 as crop profit margins narrowed sharply and animal agriculture margins improved. Purdue Economists Chris Hurt, Michael Boehlje, Michael Langemeier and Jim Mintert outline drivers of this changing business climate and discuss strategies farms can put in place to help manage the downturn in crop agriculture and the upswing in animal agriculture.
TAGS:
TEAM LINKS:
RELATED RESOURCES
Fed cattle prices are near record highs, but cattle finishing margins could remain under pressure through the rest of 2026 and into 2027. Michael Langemeier explains what’s driving the squeeze, from feeder cattle prices and feeding costs to historically high breakeven prices.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join educators from across the Midwest to build skills for communicating soil health concepts on Nov. 4-5, 2026. In the field, we’ll evaluate the relationship between soil health and water management focusing on irrigation and edge of field practices. The in-service will have both classroom and on farm demonstrations.
The Land of Opportunity: A Conference for Farmland Owners will be held at two locations on October 5 and October 6, providing farmland owners with valuable information and resources to help them make informed decisions about their land. The conference will feature keynote presentations, educational breakout sessions, and networking opportunities designed specifically for those who own, manage, or have an interest in farmland.