A U.S. representative from Washington State says the end of 2017 tax reforms will benefit agriculture immediately. Central Washington representative Dan Newhouse says there will be many benefits to the ag industry, and many, right away. Tax Newhouse added, while a few details have yet to be realized, and some of the benefits will not take place immediately, he’s confident …
Index Shows Farmer Optimism Increasing
A survey of farmers shows optimism is increasing in the Midwest farm country, despite continued low prices. The latest DTN/The Progressive Farmer Agricultural Confidence Index found increasing optimism, posting an overall score of 113, up 9 points from August and 15 points higher than the “Trump Bump” survey of a year ago. The so-called “Trump Bump” represented an increase in …
2018 Crop Prices Outlook
A University of Illinois economist expects 2018 crop prices to remain below high levels seen earlier this decade due to global inventories. Economist Todd Hubbs explains that global economic growth continues to build on the momentum seen over the last year, offering some limited upside for demand. Growth in China and emerging markets in Asia is projected to remain strong …
Another Year of Tight Budgets in Washington
2018 will be another year of tight budgets in Washington, especially after the passage of a sweeping tax overhaul bill. That will also likely mean less money to write a new farm bill. The 2014 farm bill was tough enough to write but the 2018 bill could be tougher. And it’s not just automatic budget cuts begun in 2011, but a …
Downward Pressure Expected on 2018 Cash Rents
As commodity prices fell over the past few years, many landowners across the country agreed to lower cash rents. The annual LandOwner/Pro Farmer Cash Rent and Values Survey shows a majority of the respondents expecting cash rents to continue their lower trend in 2018. LandOwner consultant and columnist Mike Walsten says the survey also shows the focus on lowering cash …
Purdue Releases 2018 Ag Economic Sector Forecasts
The Agricultural Economics Department at Purdue University released a 2018 Ag Outlook Report that contained 12 different articles looking at different aspects of the Ag economy. Just some of the aspects covered include cash rents, farmland values, and the price outlook for corn and soybeans. Professor Craig Dobbins says that reducing input costs has been a priority for farmers since …
Investment Firms Once Again Purchasing Farmland
Wall Street investment firms are once again putting money into farmland. Institutional investors are buying up farmland as farmers, who would normally be competing for the land, are hanging on to their cash. This investment money can mean different things for local ag communities. Some institutions will purchase land and lease it back to a farmer, who can then continue …
Sorting Out Tax Reform for Farmers and Ag
In this short farm radio newsclip, USDAs radio team catches up with President Trump’s comments about the estate tax changes, and with USDA economists to discuss the recent tax overhaul legislation from an agricultural perspective. Sorting Out Tax Reform for Farmers and Ag Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement …
Analyzing Profitability on the Farm
Analyzing profitability is critical on the farm. But studying profits and production can cost producers time. Syngenta offers the AgriEdge Excelsior® whole-farm management program to help speed up that process. Joe Goodman, a Syngenta AgriEdge® specialist explains. Speed The program offers an in-depth economics component for growers. Economics Through the examination of the farm, AgriEdge Excelsior can help growers increase …
Farmland Values Still High Despite Low Commodity Prices
Industry experts are scratching their heads over the relatively high price of farmland while commodity prices are still low. The two factors often have a strong correlation between each other. Farm Futures Dot Com quotes Steve Bruere, President of the land-brokerage firm Peoples Co. of Iowa as saying, “Strong farmland values defy logic in a lot of ways.” He says …