September 14, 2017

Managing Risk: A Conversation with Kirkpatrick Farms

Kirkpatrick Farm operators, Bryan and Susan Kirkpatrick along with their daughter, Andrea, raise food-grade corn and seed soybeans with an emphasis on improving the productivity of their land. The Kirkpatrick’s were early adopters of precision ag technology. The Kirkpatrick’s have operated a seed warehouse for local distribution for over 35 years and has developed a large, successful business built upon customer service.

 

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Contingency Planning with Cash Flow Shortages

June 4, 2026

A contingency plan is a course of action designed to help a business determine how to respond to possible future events. Contingency plans are often referred to as “Plan B”. One of the most common contingency plans used by a business, particularly a small business, relates to how to respond to the departure or absence of key personnel. Contingency plans relating to how to respond to changes in projected cash flow are also important. Given the recent increase in input prices for fertilizer and fuel and wide variability in expected prices, it would be prudent for a farm to examine the sensitivity of their cash flow and repayment capacity to changes in crop prices. This article illustrates the use of contingency plans for a case farm in southwest Indiana.

Financial Stress, Labor Decisions, and Farm Resilience: Tools to Evaluate Your Operation

January 29, 2026

Adding a family member or employee to a farm is a long-term financial decision. These slides and self-assessment tools help evaluate financial feasibility, strategic risk, and business resilience before expanding labor.

Financial Stress on Crop Farms: Who Is Most at Risk in the 2024–26 Downturn?

September 3, 2025

Midwest crop producers have experienced a significant downturn in corn, soybean, and wheat prices since late 2023, resulting in a drop in net returns in 2024. 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”?

UPCOMING EVENTS

Weathering Water Extremes: Connecting Soil Health, Drainage, Irrigation, and Farm Resilience

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.

Land of Opportunity: A Conference for Farmland Owners!

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.