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The Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture welcomed over 200 farmers and agribusiness professionals to the 2026 Purdue Top Farmer Conference on Friday, January 9th. The annual farm management conference provided a great networking opportunity for top producers and industry professionals. View photos from the event now.
Read More about 2026 Purdue Top Farmer Conference Recap + PhotosFINBIN data from 2007–2024 show that larger crop farms use significantly fewer labor hours per acre and achieve higher labor efficiency, highlighting clear economies of scale in labor use.
Read More about Labor StandardsNovember brought the highest farmer sentiment reading since June, with the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer jumping 10 points from October to 139. The increase was driven primarily by producers’ more optimistic outlook for the future. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier review the results from the November Ag Economy Barometer and give their insights into farmer sentiment and the farm economy.
Read More about Farmer Sentiment Drifts Lower As Trade Uncertainty Hangs Over AgricultureTight margins often trigger cost-cutting decisions, but not all cuts improve profitability. This article explains how marginal analysis can help producers evaluate fertilizer, seed, and seeding rate decisions to protect returns when prices are low.
Read More about The Right Way to Cut CostsLocal corn basis across the Eastern Corn Belt has become more volatile, with regions like Indiana and Ohio showing continued strength to March futures, while parts of Illinois have seen weakening. In contrast, soybean basis has stabilized and remains below recent averages in much of the region. Historical patterns suggest basis volatility may ease as we head into the new year — but mixed signals from certain areas warrant close monitoring. Full regional breakdowns and charts are available in the complete article.
Read More about Corn Basis Shows Volatility While Soybean Basis StabilizesIn 2025, diversified export markets softened the decline in U.S. soybean exports and fueled growth in corn shipments—highlighting diversification as both a defensive and offensive market strategy.
Read More about U.S. Corn & Soybean Exports: Diversification Drives Growth in Corn & Cushions Decline in SoybeansChad Fiechter and Todd Kuethe reflect on the conversations that shaped the Purdue Commercial AgCast in 2025 and what those discussions reveal about agriculture moving forward. The episode also previews upcoming changes and what’s ahead for the podcast.
Read More about What We Heard This Year—and Where We’re Going, AgCast 203Machinery investment benchmarks from 2007–2024 show that large crop farms hold a sizable cost advantage. Operations over 2,000 acres consistently invest less per acre—both in machinery ownership and net annual equipment spending—highlighting meaningful economies of scale. Understanding where your farm fits can help guide machinery planning and long-term cost management.
Read More about Crop Machinery InvestmentMichael Langemeier presented in Vincennes, Indiana on December 11, 2025, on crop net returns prospects.
Read More about Crop Net Return Prospects, Presentation at Farmer Appreciation BreakfastBenchmark machinery costs for corn and soybean farms and see how expenses differ by farm size and net return category. The article also reviews long-term machinery cost trends from 2007–2024 to help producers assess scale efficiencies and compare their own costs to industry benchmarks.
Read More about Machinery Cost Benchmarks for Corn & Soybeans