Farmer sentiment did see a slight improvement in July as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer index rose 8 points to 113. The Index of Current Conditions was up 10 points to 100, and the Index of Future Expectations was 7 points higher than a month earlier. The July survey showed that high input costs remained the biggest concern for 34% of …
It’s Called a VIX
Created by the Chicago Board of Trade in 1993, it’s called a VIX. Mark Oppold explains what oit is, and the purpose of it in relation to our economy. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays Major Role In Applied Beef Cattle ResearchOctober 17, 2025FCEB Recurring Funding Provides Opportunity for Longer Term Research ProjectsOctober 10, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Advances Forage …
Impacts of Hurricane Debby on Agriculture
The impacts of Hurricane Debby on agriculture. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. How have crops and livestock been affected so far by what was Hurricane Debby, and how could its remnants impact ag along its path? Rod Bain tells us. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays Major Role In Applied Beef Cattle ResearchOctober 17, 2025FCEB Recurring Funding …
USDA Assists Farmers, Ranchers, and Communities Affected by Hurricane Debby
(USDA/WASHINGTON, August 7, 2024) — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to aid recovery efforts for farmers, ranchers and residents affected by Hurricane Debby, which continues its track up the East Coast. USDA staff in offices across the country are ready to respond with a variety of program flexibilities and other assistance to producers and …
FDACS Announces Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program to Open for Florida Farmers Impacted by Hurricane Debby
~ Beginning next week, Florida farmers impacted by Hurricane Debby can apply for low-interest and interest-free loans ~ (FDACS/TALLAHASSEE, FL/Aug 6, 2024) — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced that Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers impacted by Hurricane Debby will be able to apply for low-interest and interest-free loans beginning next week through the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural …
CBO Says House Farm Bill Cost Will Raise Deficit
The Congressional Budget Office released an official cost estimate of the House Ag Committee’s farm bill and said it’s $33 billion over budget and fails to pay for a large increase in crop subsidies. House Ag Chair GT Thompson says if the CBO doesn’t change its mind, he’ll rely instead on the House Budget Committee to overrule the CBO. The …
USDA-NRCS Offering Funding Opportunities through CSP
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants to remind producers and private landowners about assistance opportunities through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). The program can help strengthening your operation by building on existing conservation efforts. Whether you are looking to increase crop resiliency, improve grazing conditions or develop wildlife habitat, NRCS can custom design a CSP plan to help meet your goals. It starts …
Ancient and Modern Harvest Festivals of August 1st
August first marks one of the original harvest festivals. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Whether it’s Lughnasadh, Lammas, or Loaf Mass Day, August first is a harvest festival day in many cultures. Starting with the ancient Gaelic cultures of Scottland, Ireland, and Wales, Lugnasadh was celebrated about halfway between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox. It …
Non-Real Estate Loan Activity Higher in 2024
As commodity prices have continued to drop, many producers may face economic losses with less balance sheet resiliency. The economists at Agricultural Economic Insights (AEI) say recent loan data revealed that farmers utilized more non-real estate debt in early 2024. In the first quarter of the year, total non-real estate debt was 14 percent higher than in 2023. AEI says …
Consequences of No New Farm Bill
The farm bill is already a year late, the stakes are high, and time is running out. The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) released its Market Intel Analysis of the consequences of not finishing the legislation and adding another extension of the 2018 bill. While crop insurance is a permanent program, it does need improvements to make it more affordable …