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How U.S. and Brazilian Corn Production Costs Compare

U.S. corn production costs remain structurally higher than Brazil’s, driven largely by higher land expenses. Meanwhile, Brazil’s second-crop system allows producers to spread fixed costs across soybeans and corn, reinforcing its competitive position in global markets. Using standardized economic data from the agribenchmark network, we compare corn production costs and returns in Iowa and Mato Grosso from 2020 to 2024.

Cover Crop Net Returns and Soil Health Improvements

Cover crops offer measurable soil health benefits, but their financial impact varies depending on yield performance and input cost savings. This article uses scenario analysis to examine how producers can evaluate conservation practices alongside profitability and other farm goals.

Contingency Planning with Cash Flow Shortages

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.

Beyond the Headlines: May Ag Economy Barometer Insights & Implications

The May 2026 Ag Economy Barometer showed farmer sentiment weakened for the second consecutive month, but the headline only tells part of the story. Rising input costs, uncertainty about farm profitability, and concerns about the broader economic environment continue to weigh on producer outlooks. In this extended discussion, Michael Langemeier and Joana Colussi share what the survey results may mean for farm profitability, investment decisions, farmland values, labor challenges and producer views on AI (artificial intelligence) in agriculture, and the direction of the U.S. economy.

Input Costs Remain Farmers’ Top Concern | May 2026 Ag Economy Barometer

Farmer sentiment slipped again in the latest Purdue University–CME Group Ag Economy Barometer, with producers continuing to point to one dominant issue shaping their outlook. High input costs remain the #1 concern—and they’re influencing everything from investment decisions to expectations for 2026.

Farmer Sentiment Slips Again as High Input Costs Remain Top Concern

Farmer sentiment dropped again in May as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer declined from 121 points in April to 119. The Current Conditions Index fell by 8 points, while the Future Expectations Index increased by 1 point. The percentage of respondents who listed high input costs as their biggest concern was 51% in May, reaching a new high.

Explaining Differences in Farm Growth Expectations

New research from Purdue’s Ag Economy Barometer shows major differences between farms expecting to grow and those planning to stay the same size. The findings reveal how sentiment, financial outlook, risk tolerance, and investment expectations shape future expansion decisions.

Corn & Soybean Basis Trends Heading Into June

Corn and soybean basis strengthened across much of the Eastern Corn Belt, especially in Ohio and Indiana. Josh Strine breaks down the latest basis trends, regional differences, Ohio River demand, and what farmers should watch heading into June grain markets.

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.

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