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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.

Corn & Soybean Grain Markets: Basis Is Shifting Across Cash Markets

Corn and soybean basis strengthened across the Eastern Corn Belt in April, with gains exceeding historical trends in several regions. However, persistent regional differences remain, particularly between stronger Ohio basis levels and weaker Iowa conditions. These shifts—especially along the Ohio River—highlight changing cash market signals heading into May.

Indiana Farm Income Outlook Report, Spring 2026

U.S. farm income in 2026 appears stable, but increased government payments are masking weaker livestock receipts and rising costs. Indiana faces a sharper decline, with net farm income projected to fall 28%, highlighting tighter margins and growing financial pressure heading into 2027.

Indiana Herbicide Program Costs Through the Lens of Geography

Herbicide program costs across Indiana vary significantly by region, ranging from approximately $49 to over $62 per acre. These differences are driven by geographic variation in weed pressure, herbicide resistance, and environmental conditions. Northern Indiana faces higher resistance pressure, leading to more intensive and costly programs, while central and southern regions balance flexibility, emergence patterns, and operational risk. Understanding these regional dynamics is critical for managing both short-term costs and long-term weed control effectiveness.

Fertilizer Dependence in the U.S. and Brazil: Risks from the Middle East Conflict

With renewed tensions in the Middle East and concerns over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, fertilizer markets are once again under pressure. In this episode of Commercial AgBriefs, Joana Colussi compares fertilizer supply and demand trends in the U.S. and Brazil over the past five years and explains how dependent each country remains on imported nitrogen, phosphate, and potash.

AgCast 217: Why Ducks Are More Valuable Than Crops in the Delta, Lessons from the Delta, Part 8

Rice farming in the Delta reveals how water, wildlife, and profitability intersect. This final episode explores groundwater challenges, duck habitat value, and how farmers are adapting systems for long-term sustainability.

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