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Finances
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.
Read MoreU.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.
Read MoreGeneral inflation has eased from recent highs, but farm input costs remain elevated and in some cases are still rising. Fertilizer, fuel, and other key inputs continue to be driven by supply shocks and global market forces, creating a disconnect from broader inflation trends. That gap is keeping breakeven prices high and adding uncertainty to 2026 planning decisions. See how these trends are shaping cost expectations for the year ahead.
Read MoreFarm input costs don’t move in lockstep with inflation. Understanding which costs follow inflation—and which don’t—is key to managing margins in today’s volatile environment.
Read MoreUSDA’s first 2026 Farm Income and Wealth Statistics release provides an early look at the U.S. farm balance sheet heading into the next production cycle. Farm assets and equity are projected to grow at the slowest pace since 2019–2020, while farm debt accumulation accelerates for the third time in four years. Non-real estate assets are expected to decline, driven by reductions in livestock and crop inventories, even as machinery investment continues rising. Key efficiency ratios remain near historic lows, signaling tighter production returns relative to asset values.
Read MoreMargins remain tight for 2026. Purdue’s latest crop budget estimates show soybean rotations maintaining a contribution margin advantage over corn, while breakeven prices for both crops remain well above expected market prices. Negative projected earnings could slow machinery purchases and put pressure on cash rents, making careful cost management and crop budgeting essential.
Read MoreFarm income in Indiana gets a boost in 2025, but 2026 projections show renewed financial pressure. Here’s what’s driving receipts, expenses, and net income.
Read MoreNew Ag Economy Barometer data suggest rising operating loans—especially those tied to carryover debt—may signal increasing financial stress and thinning working capital cushions on farms.
Read MoreAdding 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.
Read MoreThe Farm Finance Lab tool helps producers use Schedule F tax data and balance sheets to quickly generate financial ratios measuring profitability, liquidity, solvency, and financial efficiency. Users can upload documents or enter values manually, explore interactive gauges, and test scenario changes to better understand financial performance. The tool is free to use and does not store any user data.
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