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General Farm Management & Strategy
Adaptability and strong relationships are becoming essential in today’s farm economy. This Purdue Commercial AgCast episode continues the Top Farmer Conference discussion on long-term market outlooks and farm strategy.
Read More about Adaptation & Strong Relationships: A Conversation with Ben Brown, AgCast 205The 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 More about 2026 Purdue Top Farmer Conference Recap + PhotosFINBIN 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 More about Labor StandardsNovember 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 More about Farmer Sentiment Drifts Lower As Trade Uncertainty Hangs Over AgricultureChad 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 More about What We Heard This Year—and Where We’re Going, AgCast 203Machinery 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 More about Crop Machinery InvestmentMichael Langemeier presented in Vincennes, Indiana on December 11, 2025, on crop net returns prospects.
Read More about Crop Net Return Prospects, Presentation at Farmer Appreciation BreakfastNovember 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 More about Better Outlook for the Future Pushes Farmer Sentiment HigherFifth-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 More about Pig Farming in Focus: A Conversation with Brian MartinMichael Langemeier presented in White County (Reynolds), Indiana on November 12, 2025, on crop net returns prospects.
Read More about Crop Net Return Prospects, Presentation in White County