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General Farm Management & Strategy
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 MoreFINBIN 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 MoreNovember 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 MoreChad 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 MoreMachinery 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 MoreMichael Langemeier presented in Vincennes, Indiana on December 11, 2025, on crop net returns prospects.
Read MoreNovember 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 MoreFifth-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.
Read MoreMichael Langemeier presented in White County (Reynolds), Indiana on November 12, 2025, on crop net returns prospects.
Read MoreU.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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