U.S. tractor and combine monthly unit sales in May 2022 fell below the five-year average for the first time since March 2020. The monthly data, released last week by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), shows U.S. total farm tractor sales fell 14.5 percent for the month of May compared to 2021, and U.S. combine sales for the month declined …
Investing in Farm & Ranch Land
We told you last week that stronger land prices during late 2021 continued higher through the first five months of this year. That was partially helped by investors looking for a low-risk inflation hedging investment. And Mark Oppold reports wealthy investors are turning to farm and ranch land. According to Farmers National Company, prices for good quality cropland are up 20 …
Farmers National Company: Land Prices up 20%
The stronger land prices of late 2021 continued higher through the first five months of 2022. After a calm period at the start of the year with prices steady, prices took another jump up as a result of the outbreak of war in Ukraine and ongoing inflation fears. Farmers saw higher commodity prices, and investors wanted a low-risk inflation hedging …
Farmer Sentiment Plummets as Production Costs Skyrocket
The Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer plummeted in May to a reading of just 99, the weakest reading since April 2020. The May 2022 barometer reading marked just the ninth time since data collection began in fall 2015 that the overall measure of farmer sentiment fell below 100. Agricultural producers’ perceptions regarding current conditions on their farms, as well …
Farm Real Estate Debt Builds in First Quarter
Farm real estate debt at commercial banks grew modestly in the first quarter, while production loans remained steady. The Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank says alongside soaring farmland values, real estate loan balances increased at the fastest pace in four years and drove an increase in the overall amount of agricultural lending. Following a sharp pullback over the last two …
Eight Georgia Counties Designated as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
(WASHINGTON, DC/USDA FSA/June 3, 2022) — This Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a …
DeSantis Signs Florida Budget, Vetoes $3.13 Billion
(TALLAHASSEE/NSF) — Pointing to a need to further brace the state against a potential recession, Gov. Ron DeSantis issued $3.13 billion in vetoes Thursday as he signed a record $109.9 billion budget for the fiscal year that will begin July 1. Among the large vetoes were $650 million for a new 4,500-bed prison; $195 million for construction of a prison …
USDA Sends Out ERP Applications
Last week, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) mailed 303,000 pre-filled applications for the Emergency Relief Program (ERP). It’s a new program designed to help agricultural producers impacted by wildfires, droughts, hurricanes, winter storms, and other qualifying natural disasters experienced during calendar years 2020 and 2021. This all stems from legislation that Congress passed, and President Biden signed into law. It’s known as the Extending Government Funding …
Consumer Confidence Index Continues to Erode
When talking markets, many times we hear about the U.S. Consumer Confidence Index (CCI). The survey measures how optimistic or pessimistic consumers are regarding their expected financial situation. And according to Mark Oppold, that index continues to erode. The CCI is based on the premise that if consumers are optimistic, they will spend more and stimulate the economy. But, if they are pessimistic, …
Flexibilities Enhanced in Livestock Insurance Updates
USDA recently announced updates to insurance products starting next crop year designed to give livestock and dairy producers greater flexibilities. Rod Bain has more details. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Helps to Support Forage Development and Management PracticesMarch 6, 2026CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsMarch 1, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board …