U.S. farm establishments received 14.5 cents per dollar spent on domestically produced food in 2021—a decrease of 1.0 cent from a revised 15.5 cents in 2020. The figure is the lowest recorded farm share value in nearly three decades, according to USDA’s Economic Research Service. The remaining portion of the food dollar—known as the marketing share—covers the costs of getting …
Farm Loan Interest Rates Rise Sharply
Farm loan interest rates increased sharply during the third quarter. The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City says despite the high borrowing costs, farm real estate values continued higher. However, the rate of increase slowed in the quarter. Following consistently higher increases earlier in 2022, the value of farmland in most Districts grew at a slightly slower pace during the …
USDA Announces Plans for a Section 32 Purchase of American Lamb Products
Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced plans for a Section 32 purchase of American lamb products for distribution to various food nutrition assistance programs. The purchase was a request by the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) and the National Lamb Feeders Association earlier this year. Support for the purchase also came from congressional delegations from several Western states in recent months. “We …
Another Record Land Sale in Iowa
Iowa set another record for farmland sales. Seventy-three acres of high-quality farmland in Sioux County, Iowa, sold for $30,000 per acre at auction on November 11. That’s a total sale worth $2.195 million. That’s just part of a new $30,000-per-acre club in Iowa. A local farmer was the buyer, and the runner-up was also a farmer. A statement from Iowa …
NFU Releases 2022 Farmer’s Share of Thanksgiving Food Dollar
How much do farmers make for that Thanksgiving meal? That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. National Farmers Union (NFU) released the 2022 Farmer’s Share of the food dollar for several items typically served for the Thanksgiving holiday. Included in the 2022 Thanksgiving Farmer’s Share numbers are: Even though consumers are paying more for food this year, almost none …
Farm Milk Prices Likely to Fall Next Year as Output Grows
As we look ahead to next year, those in the dairy industry wonder what the prospects are for operators in 2023. Gary Crawford has a story that helps answer that question. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 9, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Significant Support For ResearchDecember 19, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Considers Efforts Important …
Watching Markets before the Holiday Break
We told you yesterday that markets have been seeing some wild swings as of late, and how some traders are closely watching the grain and livestock trade. Mark Oppold notes this is especially true heading into the Thanksgiving break. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 9, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Significant Support For ResearchDecember …
Rural Mainstreet Economy Shrinks for Six Straight Months
The Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index fell below growth-neutral for the sixth-consecutive month. On a scale of one to 100, 50 represents growth neutral. The Economic Confidence Index plummeted to its lowest level since 2020. Almost 31 percent of bank CEOs in the survey area recommend that the Fed cease raising interest rates. Despite the weaker rural outlook, only 14 …
BASF Financing Program
As the agriculture community grapples with uncertainty ahead of the 2023 growing season, BASF is extending what some would call a lifeline in the midst of an unsettled economy. For the second year in a row, BASF is offering direct access to a zero percent financing program to partner with established and new growers as they explore simple purchasing options. Scott Kay …
Markets Seeing Some Wild Swings
Various factors are closely being watch this week in the grain trade. Mark Oppold has more information about the trade for this holiday shortened week. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 9, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Significant Support For ResearchDecember 19, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Considers Efforts Important to Cattle Producers in FloridaDecember 12, …