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General Farm Management & Strategy
Farmers wear a multitude of management hats which can make it difficult to resolve short-run issues or problems, and make long-run strategic plans. In the parlance of farm management textbooks, you want your farm to do things right (related to tactical
Read MoreFarmer 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.
Read MoreGiven 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.
Read MoreJoe 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.
Read MoreMidwest 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”?
Read MoreThis 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.
Read MoreFarmer sentiment dipped again in August as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer Index fell 10 points to 125. Producers were markedly less optimistic about the future in August as the Index of Future Expectations dropped 16 points to 123. This was the lowest reading for the future index since last September. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier share insights into the results of the August 2025 survey, conducted from August 11-15, in this episode of the Purdue Commercial AgCast.
Read MoreMichael Langemeier presented at the Pinney Purdue Field Day in Wanatah, Indiana on August 20, 2025, on crop net returns and the farmland market.
Read MoreExamine breakeven prices, earnings per acre, breakeven cash rents, and trends in working capital with this spreadsheet tool.
Read MoreNeed help setting a fair flexible lease agreement? This easy-to-use spreadsheet lets you plug in your own numbers—like crop budget line items, yields, and prices—to calculate lease rates and earnings per acre. Whether you’re negotiating a new agreement or comparing alternative, this tool helps take the guesswork out.
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