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General Farm Management & Strategy

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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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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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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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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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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Farmers Say Current Conditions on U.S. Farms Are Weakening

Farmer sentiment held steady in September, as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose just 1 point to a reading of 126. However, there was a shift in producers’ perceptions of current conditions and their expectations for the future. 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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Crop vs. Livestock Sentiment: Perspectives from the Ag Economy Barometer

Given the large difference in prices received and projected net return prospects, it is not surprising to find a large difference in producer sentiment between crop and livestock producers in the August 2025 Ag Economy Barometer survey. In addition to differences in producer sentiment, larger percentages of crop producers expected to have larger operating loans in 2026, listed unpaid operator debt from the prior year as a reason for those larger loans, and were financially stressed.

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Investment Strategies in Ag: A Conversation with Joe Suttles

Joe Suttles, a consultant in ag investing, joins hosts Todd Kuethe and Chad Fiechter in this episode of the Purdue Commercial AgCast to discuss his role and insights into private equity investments in agriculture. Suttles outlines his responsibilities in working with fund managers and managing existing investments to solve issues. He shares insight into the complexities of agricultural investments, emphasizing the importance of long-term focus and the intricate nature of managing agricultural production businesses.

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Financial Stress on Crop Farms: Who Is Most at Risk in the 2024–26 Downturn?

Midwest crop producers have experienced a significant downturn in corn, soybean, and wheat prices since late 2023, resulting in a drop in net returns in 2024. Moreover, current expectations are that prices will continue to remain at or below the cost of production for at least a couple more years. Consequently, a key question being asked is as follows: “Who is the most vulnerable financially during this downturn”?

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Factors Impacting Farm Growth

This article presents results from a recent survey pertaining to farm goals, and discusses the relationships between farm growth, farm goals, producer sentiment, and farm characteristics.

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