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General Farm Management & Strategy
Farmer sentiment continues to weaken, as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer declined again in July. The barometer fell 11 points to 135 from June, a reading that resulted from U.S. farmers’ weaker perceptions of both current conditions and future expectations. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier share insights into the results of the July 2025 survey, conducted from July 7-11, in this episode of the Purdue Commercial AgCast.
Read MoreHow do farm goals shape conservation decisions? This analysis draws on a nationwide survey of 400 producers to explore how priorities like profitability, risk, and sustainability impact the adoption of practices like no-till, cover crops, and crop diversification. Farmers who rank conservation as a top goal are significantly more likely to implement these practices—offering a window into what drives long-term thinking in farm management.
Read MoreNeed help setting a fair lease rate for pasture or hay ground? This easy-to-use spreadsheet lets you plug in your own numbers—like stocking rates, hay yields, and land quality—to calculate a lease rate that works for both landlord and tenant. Whether you’re negotiating a new agreement or checking current rates, this tool helps take the guesswork out.
Read MoreLeasing pasture or hay ground? Rates can vary widely—and getting it right means understanding stocking rates, land quality, and what services are included. This guide breaks it all down with real examples and a spreadsheet you can use to run the numbers for your own operation. If you’re negotiating a lease this year, don’t miss these tips to make sure it pencils out.
Read MoreOne-third of recently surveyed farmers identified farm transfer as their top goal, but priorities like profit, conservation, debt reduction, and income stability also ranked high. The study reveals that most farms pursue a mix of goals, and understanding the tradeoffs between them can lead to better long-term business decisions. Take time to define your farm’s goals—and use them to shape long-term business decisions.
Read MoreNate Kaufman, Omaha Branch Executive of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, joins hosts Todd Kuethe and Chad Fiechter in this episode of the Purdue Commercial AgCast. Kaufman explains the structure and function of the Federal Reserve System, including the roles of the Board of Governors, the 12 regional reserve banks, and their respective branch offices, and shares how monetary policy is set and the importance of regional input in policy decisions.
Read MoreFarmer sentiment weakened in June as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer fell to 146, down from 158 a month earlier. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier share their insight into the results of the June 2025 survey, conducted from June 9-13.
Read MoreCash flow trends from 2007 to 2024 show how crop farms rely on operating income and borrowed funds to drive growth through asset purchases. As income levels shift, so do investment decisions—offering key insights for managing through expected challenges in 2025.
Read MoreFarmer sentiment reached a four-year high in May. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier share their insight into the results of the May 2025 Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer survey, conducted from May 12-16, in this episode of the Purdue Commercial AgCast. The barometer rose 10 points to 158, the highest since May 2021, driven by optimism about future and current farm conditions.
Read MoreThe objective of this paper is to measure the cost efficiency of corn and soybean production for six typical farms in North America (three in Canada and three in the United States). All these farms produce both corn and soybeans. Cost efficiency is measured using data envelope analysis. In addition to comparing efficiency indices, cost shares of the most efficient farm is compared to cost shares for the other five farms.
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