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Pig Farming in Focus: A Conversation with Brian Martin

Fifth-generation Indiana pig farmer Brian Martin joins Purdue Commercial AgCast to discuss how consolidation, labor shortages, state policy, and evolving production systems are reshaping the U.S. hog industry. He also highlights the value of internships, partnerships, and business strategy in modern pork production.

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U.S.–China Soybean Deal: Comparing Past Export Levels and Global Market Impacts

Despite the headline deal between the U.S. and China on soybeans, the numbers show a different story. The 12 million-ton commitment for 2025 remains below recent norms, while Brazil and Argentina surged ahead in China’s market. For producers focused on scale, margins, and global competition, the implications are clear: tariff concerns remain, diversification matters, and South America is an emerging force.

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Crop Net Return Prospects, Presentation in White County

Michael Langemeier presented in White County (Reynolds), Indiana on November 12, 2025, on crop net returns prospects.

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Explaining Fluctuations in DDG Prices

Distiller’s dried grains (DDGs) are a co-product of ethanol production and a high-protein substitute for corn and soybean meal in livestock feed. DDG prices generally move with corn and soybean meal, but the relationship is not always predictable. Market disruptions and shifting feed demand can create wide price swings. Projections for early 2026 suggest a $145–$155 per ton range, yet small changes in underlying grain or meal prices could alter the outlook—making careful monitoring essential for livestock operations.

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Livestock Sector Optimism Fuels a Modest Rise in Farmer Sentiment in October

U.S. farmer sentiment edged slightly higher in October, with the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rising 3 points to a reading of 129. Farmers’ appraisals of current conditions highlight a “tale of two economies”: Livestock producers remain highly optimistic about their farm conditions, partly supported by record-high profitability in the beef sector, while crop producers report a more pessimistic view of the current situation on their farms due to low profit margins across major crop enterprises. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier review the results from the September Ag Economy Barometer and give their insights into farmer sentiment and the farm economy.

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Using the Long-Run Cash Rent Spreadsheet: When to Hold Them or Fold Them?

Farmers typically find that rental rates don’t adjust rapidly during a downturn and consequently they lose money on rented land. But most farmers don’t want to give up rented land even if it is not profitable because it is difficult to find another parcel to replace it. They continue to hold on to rented land waiting for better prices, lower costs, and/or higher yields. The fundamental question is how long can they delay the decision. In other words, when should they hold them and when should they fold them? This question has become even more relevant today, given the financial pressure currently faced by crop producers across the Corn Belt, including lower commodity prices, tighter margins, and higher interest rates.

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Indiana Farm Income Outlook Report, Fall 2025

The Fall 2025 Indiana Farm Income Outlook, published by the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF),  provides updated projections for Indiana farm profitability through 2026.

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Cover Crop Adoption: Results from 5 Years of Ag Economy Barometer Surveys

When thinking about the adoption of conservation practices, like cover crops, it is important to note two things. First, adoption rates have ebbs and flows; in other words, adoption does not necessarily follow a steady trend. Second, sometimes conservation practices

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Factors Impacting Long-Run Planning

New research from Purdue highlights the importance of long-run planning in achieving key farm goals such as profitability, conservation, and farm transition.

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D.C. Insights: A Conversation with Joe Balagtas

Joe Balagtas, a former senior economist at the White House’s Council of Economic Advisors (CEA) and professor of agricultural economics at Purdue joins colleague hosts Todd Kuethe and Chad Fiechter in this episode of the Purdue Commercial AgCast. Balagtas shares his unique experiences working at the CEA during the Trump administration and his role in providing the President with critical economic information.

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