The Government of Canada Wednesday released the final list of designated regions where livestock tax deferral has been authorized for 2017 due to drought, flood or excess moisture. In November, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced the initial list of designated regions in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Quebec, for livestock tax deferral purposes. But, the agency says ongoing analysis has …
Farmers Union Launches Farm Bill Campaign
American family farmers and ranchers are enduring the worst economic slide in generations, and they need Congress to pass a Farm Bill in 2018 to strengthen the farm safety net. In order to educate the general public and to generate support for a Farm Bill to be passed this year, National Farmers Union (NFU) and Farmers Union state divisions have …
January Ag Economy Barometer Results
The Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer turned higher for January, showing some optimism among farmers and ranchers. After trending lower in late 2017, the monthly survey of 400 agricultural producers from across the U.S. indicated that the measure of producer sentiment climbed to 135 points at the beginning of 2018, up nine points from December’s 126. Organizers say the …
Rural Mainstreet Index Declines
The Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index declined slightly in January from December’s weak reading, remaining below growth neutral. However, organizers say the monthly survey of rural bank CEO’s in the Midwest is significantly higher than the reading for January 2017. The index, like all indices in the survey, ranges between zero and 100 with 50 representing growth neutral, fell to …
Farmers National Company Reports Increase in Land Listings, Price
While research suggests that there has been less farm and ranch land for sale than usual over the past few years, Farmers National Company is reporting a 50 percent increase in listings. Experts say the industry is experiencing a post-harvest bump in land prices in most grain producing areas, meaning that with above average crop yields in most locations, farmer …
Ag Lending and Interest Expense Increasing for Farmers
Farm lending at commercial banks increased during the fourth quarter of last year. Demand for all types of loans, except for farm machinery and livestock, increased significantly over 2016. Operating expenses continue to make up the majority of loan originations. Loans for livestock made up over a quarter of all new non-real estate loans. The total value of operating and …
Florida Ag Policy Conference to Help Growers Deal With the Ever-Changing Global Economy
In light of the competitive and dynamic global economy, experts from UF/IFAS and other organizations will share knowledge about how to deal with pressures facing growers in Florida at the third annual Florida Agricultural Policy Conference. The conference will be held Feb. 21 at the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center in Apopka, Florida. Whether it’s trade agreements, labor, water …
Agri View: Food Dollars
Everett Griner talks about what we actually are getting for our food dollars in today’s Agri View. Food Dollars You know the major concern of today’s food shopper is price. Quality is the next highest priority. Little thought is given to what their dollars spent for food is doing otherwise. Well, here is a couple of things you might consider. …
Millennials Spend Less Per-Person on Groceries
Recent data released by the Department of Agriculture shows that millennials are spending less per-person at the grocery store. A recent analysis by USDA’s Economic Research Service of 2014 grocery store data found that compared to older generations, millennial-headed households spent the least per person on food at home. However, like the other generations analyzed, millennial households with higher incomes …
CoBank: Expect more Farm Bankruptcies in 2018
A recent report by CoBank expects the farm economy to tighten again in 2018, and experts say that will lead to more farmers filing Chapter 12 bankruptcy. DTN-The Progressive Farmer reports that wheat and dairy producers are among the hardest hit, with an increase in Chapter 12 bankruptcy filings in Kansas and Wisconsin, reaching the highest level since 2012 last …