Debt load growing for farm operations at unsustainable rate

An ag economist says the debt load for farm operations is growing at an alarming rate. Greg Ibendahl with Kansas State University says the trend has been happening for nearly three decades. “It’s kind of being hidden by the fact that land values have kind of outpaced that. So, you don’t really see it so…Continue Reading

Renewable energy challenges

An ag attorney says land use continues to be a challenge for producers wanting to implement renewable energy projects. Todd Janzen with Janzen Schroeder Ag Law says wind and solar growth has outpaced state laws in many rural communities. “There are county zoning ordinances that were passed before a lot of these renewable energy technologies were mainstream,” he…Continue Reading

Farmers are preparing for another year of tight margins

Widespread concern about the farm economy continues. Kentucky farmer and American Soybean Association president Caleb Ragland says the commodity price picture isn’t great for farmers. “As a whole, producers are going to have to really tighten their belts and analyze every item in their budget.” He says that also includes the cost of inputs. “There…Continue Reading

New crop corn, soybean export sales solid

The USDA’s reporting another solid week of new crop export numbers for soybeans and corn. Those solid sales during the week ending August 21st were led by unknown destinations and Mexico, but the lack of new crop soybean demand from China due to tariff tensions continues to be a glaring hole in what has otherwise…Continue Reading

Watch for corn standability issues this fall

A northern Indiana-based agronomist says farmers should be on the lookout for corn standability issues this fall. Kyle Malcolm with LG Seeds says weather challenges throughout the growing season could impact stalk quality. “A lot of fields probably didn’t get planted in the most ideal conditions,” he says. “Even those drought-stricken areas, just from not…Continue Reading

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