Latest News From FARM BUSINESS

Ten Considerations Before Signing a Carbon Contract on Your Ranch
Ten Considerations Before Signing a Carbon Contract on Your Ranch

As the carbon market continues to develop, a multitude of factors lend to its complexity. These intricacies weigh heavy on the minds of many ranchers entertaining the idea of partaking in the carbon market.

Rural Economy Slows, Farmland Values Stay Strong
Rural Economy Slows, Farmland Values Stay Strong

The rural economy seems to be set on cruise in neutral gear. That’s according to the Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) from Creighton University. 

Here's How to Make Tough Talks Easier
Here's How to Make Tough Talks Easier

Little steps can ease frustration and improve communication on your farm.

New Conservation Funding and CRP Took Priority in Senate Ag Hearing
New Conservation Funding and CRP Took Priority in Senate Ag Hearing

"The prioritization of resource concerns must be left to the local level where producers decide how they can best address their unique and varied landscapes and needs," said Sen. John Boozman.

Commodity Programs Might See a 12% Cut in the Proposed $1 Trillion Farm Bill
Commodity Programs Might See a 12% Cut in the Proposed $1 Trillion Farm Bill

SNAP, which historically receives the greatest amount of farm bill funding, will see an 82% increase of a quarter-trillion-dollars.

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Crop Insurance, Production Costs, ERP Among Key Topics at Senate Ag Farm Bill Hearing

A Senate Ag Committee hearing Thursday on the new farm bill raised a issue that is now evident: the Title 1 farm bill safety net can no longer deal with the current ag environment.

How and Why You Need to Create an Estate Plan
How and Why You Need to Create an Estate Plan

You’ve poured blood, sweat and tears into building the cattle operation and business you have today. Have you taken the time to write down your vision and share it with the next generation?

USDA Confirms Farmers’ Fears: Net Farm and Net Cash Farm Income Expected to Fall This Year 
USDA Confirms Farmers’ Fears: Net Farm and Net Cash Farm Income Expected to Fall This Year 

USDA’s first official net farm income forecast shows an expected 16% drop in 2023 net farm income, largely due to a decline in commodity prices and government payments with higher expenses and costs at the farm level.

The Cost of a Farm Bill: 2023 Row Crop Priorities
The Cost of a Farm Bill: 2023 Row Crop Priorities

The 2018 farm bill was stamped with a $428 billon price tag when passed. With the bill set to expire on Sept. 30, here’s a breakdown of the topics ag groups look to push on the negotiating table.

Stepped-Up Basis Leaning in Favor of Rural America on House Ways and Means Panel
Stepped-Up Basis Leaning in Favor of Rural America on House Ways and Means Panel

With Republicans now in control of the House, Rep. RandyFeenstra (R-Iowa) said he wants to introduce legislation shielding the stepped-up basis and like-kind exchanges.

Monster Buck Antlers Stolen from Teen Deer Hunter Recovered After 14 Years
Monster Buck Antlers Stolen from Teen Deer Hunter Recovered After 14 Years

When 14-year-old Dave Richmond’s monster buck was stolen, he searched 14 years for the pinched antlers, never giving up hope on a spectacular rack.

Use Portability to Avoid a Potential Multi-Million Dollar Estate Mistake
Use Portability to Avoid a Potential Multi-Million Dollar Estate Mistake

If your spouse dies, look into filing Form 706 Federal Estate Tax Return with the IRS. Taking that step could help you protect farm assets so they pass to your heirs without estate taxes. The process isn't automatic.

SHIP IT Act Could Save Truck Drivers Up to $10,000 and Cover CDL Costs
SHIP IT Act Could Save Truck Drivers Up to $10,000 and Cover CDL Costs

Reps. Dusty Johnson and Jim Costa on Tuesday introduced the Safer Highways and Increased Performance for Interstate Trucking (SHIP IT) Act to expand the trucking workforce and offer flexibility in times of need.

Speaker McCarthy Selects Unruly House Rules Panel
Speaker McCarthy Selects Unruly House Rules Panel

For example, Rep. Ralph Norman in the past unsuccessfully pushed crop insurance amendments that would have cut premium incentives/subsidies by 15% for producers with specified adjusted gross incomes.

Beef-on-Dairy Continues to See Major Growth
Beef-on-Dairy Continues to See Major Growth

With the demand for beef up, more dairy producers are crossbreeding poor genetic or less productive cows with beef semen. Over the past few years, dairy semen sales have idled while domestic beef sales have exploded.

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Break Free from the Winter Blues: 2 Steps to Keep Seasonal Depression at Bay

It doesn’t matter if it’s spring, summer, winter or fall, weather is always on producers’ minds. While slower seasons can offer relief, winter can drain emotional batteries. Here are two steps to help find relief.

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Bank of America Says a U.S. Debt Default is "Likely"

Speaker McCarthy agreed that the House wouldn’t lift the debt ceiling unless Congress slashes federal spending next fiscal year. Because of this, Bank of America is telling clients to expect a debt default this fall.

USDA is Making Additional CFAP 2 Payments
USDA is Making Additional CFAP 2 Payments

The additional payments will be equal to 15% of the producer’s previous CFAP 2 payments.

Vilsack Lists USDA's 4 Policy Objectives for 2023
Vilsack Lists USDA's 4 Policy Objectives for 2023

Farm Bureau hosted Secretary Vilsack at its annual convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where he announced the details of ERP Phase 2 and PARP, U.S.-made fertilizer and new meat and poultry processing facility plans.

Title 42 Talks Continue with Biden at U.S./Mexico Border
Title 42 Talks Continue with Biden at U.S./Mexico Border

President Biden traveled on Sunday to the U.S./Mexico border amid a surge in illegal border crossings. The administration announced a new program for up to 30,000 migrants a month to enter the U.S. legally.

Policy and Payments: What Producers Can Expect in 2023
Policy and Payments: What Producers Can Expect in 2023

ERP Phase Two is likely to be announced by USDA in coming weeks, according to Jim Wiesemeyer. In a farm bill year, he says there might be more opportunities to capture additional profit.

Who's Really Behind All These Record Farmland Sales?
Who's Really Behind All These Record Farmland Sales?

Farmers National Company released its 2023 land values report this week, showing land sold at auctions set records in several states with values across Corn Belt States seeing a year-to-year increase between 20% and 34%.

4 Things to Do When Your Kids Come Home to Farm
4 Things to Do When Your Kids Come Home to Farm

Matt and Lisa Moreland hoped at least one of their sons would return home to farm after college. What they didn’t anticipate? All three sons wanted to come back. Here are four things the family learned in the process.

What's in it for Ag in the New Spending Bill?
What's in it for Ag in the New Spending Bill?

The House on Friday averted a government shutdown by voting 225 to 201 in favor of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023—the omnibus spending bill. Here's what's in it for ag.

Signs Growing that the Global Supply Chain Crisis is Over
Signs Growing that the Global Supply Chain Crisis is Over

From the docks of Southern California and Europe to the parcel hubs in the Midwest and the store shelves in New York, signs are growing that the global supply chain crisis is over.

At 36, Brooke Taylor Has Battled Cancer Twice, Now She's Working To Spread Joy To Others
At 36, Brooke Taylor Has Battled Cancer Twice, Now She's Working To Spread Joy To Others

Brooke Taylor shares her battle with cancer on her Rural Gone Urban social media accounts. Now, she's working to spread joy to others through her Rural Gone Urban Foundation to leave a legacy larger than cancer.

5 Ag Career Trends You Need to Consider in 2023
5 Ag Career Trends You Need to Consider in 2023

There is no time like the start of a new year to take a pulse on your company’s compensation and HR practices to see if they are in line with the outlook and trends for 2023. Here are five things to consider.

How the $1.7 Trillion Omnibus Spending Package Might Impact Your Operation
How the $1.7 Trillion Omnibus Spending Package Might Impact Your Operation

Text of the $1.7 trillion omnibus spending package was released early Tuesday morning. The Senate will vote first and intends to pass the measure before Thursday, leaving the House no time to demand changes.

 European Union Clinches a Deal on a Carbon Border Tax
European Union Clinches a Deal on a Carbon Border Tax

Members of the bloc agreed on how to create a tool that will force foreign companies to pay for the cost of their carbon emissions.

Invest in Your Farm's Reputation with Social Media
Invest in Your Farm's Reputation with Social Media

Consider what passersby think when they see your headquarters or machinery on the highway. Do you want them to draw their own conclusions, or do you want to be the one telling the story?

The top nine changes that could impact your farm business
Paul Neiffer: 2022 Year-End Tax Planning Tips

This year, more than ever, requires you to spend time with your tax adviser to pin down the right amount of taxable income to report. Good luck.  

John Phipps: A Legitimate Broadband Solution
John Phipps: A Legitimate Broadband Solution

Starlink might be a fit for any user, but deep in the boonies, it’s a near miracle.

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Congress Finally Reports Progress in the Omnibus Spending Bill

The agreement will allow lawmakers to spend the coming week hashing out specific spending levels for each federal agency as well as what legislative items they will attach to the bill, likely including ag aid.

Continuous Learning That Works for Cattle Producers
Continuous Learning That Works for Cattle Producers

As cattle producers, we can learn something new every day. Considering your goals and what will move the operation forward, what can you learn today for a better tomorrow?

Shippers Note ‘Notoriously Difficult’ Railroads During Latest Hearing
Shippers Note ‘Notoriously Difficult’ Railroads During Latest Hearing

Shippers urged the U.S. railroad regulator to create more competition in the industry during hearings in which Union Pacific was called to explain a spike in service restrictions.

Research in Ag-Tech Top-Of-Mind in Farm Bill Hearing
Research in Ag-Tech Top-Of-Mind in Farm Bill Hearing

“We rely on the support of farm bill funding and programs to ensure continued U.S. leadership as the provider of the best seed to the world," said Katy Rainey, Purdue associate professor, at the Senate Ag hearing.

Southern Border Crisis Might Shift Following Biden's Latest Move on Title 42
Southern Border Crisis Might Shift Following Biden's Latest Move on Title 42

Officials have been bracing for an influx of migrants when the authority lifts on Dec. 21. The Dept. of Homeland Security is projecting 14,000 migrants may then attempt to cross the U.S. southern border per day.

Farm Share of the U.S. Food Dollar Hit a Record Low; What Does this Mean for Producers?
Farm Share of the U.S. Food Dollar Hit a Record Low; What Does this Mean for Producers?

Data released by USDA on Monday shows the farm share of the U.S. food dollar hit an all-time low in 2021. However, USDA says the decrease doesn’t necessarily mean producers are making less.

Congress “Likely” to Pass a Rail Deal this Week, According to Soy Transportation Coalition’s Steenhoek
Congress “Likely” to Pass a Rail Deal this Week, According to Soy Transportation Coalition’s Steenhoek

Pelosi said the House this week will “take up a bill adopting the tentative agreement—with no poison pills or changes to the negotiated terms—and send it to the Senate.” Some industry leaders feel it will pass.

Texas Cowboy Builds Farm and Future One Piece at a Time
Texas Cowboy Builds Farm and Future One Piece at a Time

In the age of instant gratification, Wesley Crumpler is a throwback—a self-made farmer and rancher intent on paying the price for opportunity.

When to Sell Your Farmland
When to Sell Your Farmland

If development surrounds your farmland and you are feeling pressured to make a decision, here's what to consider before you shake hands with a buyer.

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Chinese Delegates Meet with Top U.S. Officials in New York

China moved to close parks, malls and museums on Tues. as COVID-19 cases hit near-record levels. Lockdowns follow reports that, days before COP27, Xi sent policy and business advisers to New York to meet U.S. executives.

Rail Strike Update: Labor Deal Deadline Shortened to Dec. 5
Rail Strike Update: Labor Deal Deadline Shortened to Dec. 5

Unions and railroads are back at the negotiating table. By law, Congress can intervene to impose an agreement if the two sides remain deadlocked. However, one union is now on schedule to strike Dec. 5.

Rep. G.T. Thompson Lists His 3 Farm Bill Objectives
Rep. G.T. Thompson Lists His 3 Farm Bill Objectives

Thompson is gearing up to replace Rep. Scott as the House Ag chairman in Jan. With his new title in tow, Thompson will be working alongside current Senate Ag Chairwoman Stabenow to pass farm bill 2023. 

USDA Announces Phase 2 of ERP Along With New Aid Opportunities
USDA Announces Phase 2 of ERP Along With New Aid Opportunities

Phase 2 is targeted to those who suffered losses in 2020 and 2021 but may not have received any payments under Phase 1. With Phase 2 underway, USDA said that the signup deadline for Phase 1 ERP will now be Dec. 16.

Rail Strike Averted Until Dec. 4, Saving U.S. $2 Billion Per Day
Rail Strike Averted Until Dec. 4, Saving U.S. $2 Billion Per Day

Unions are arguing railroads haven't done enough to address worker concerns, largely surrounding working conditions and paid time off.

Paige Carlson
The Hit Series “Yellowstone” and Its Ironic Truth

Although the hit series highlights the struggle of the Dutton ranch fighting to maintain a family legacy, a rather ironic story truth surfaces and an unfortunate reality hits home.

China Cites U.S. Ag for Why It's Chosen Not to Invade Taiwan
China Cites U.S. Ag for Why It's Chosen Not to Invade Taiwan

“In the last 2,500 years, every Chinese government that has fallen, has fallen over food,” says Kuehl, Armada chief economist. “They need those import markets—be it from the U.S, Canada, Brazil or Australia."

Florida's Hurricane Ian Losses Total Over $1 Billion
Florida's Hurricane Ian Losses Total Over $1 Billion

Nikki Fried, Florida commissioner of ag, says the preliminary assessment is a "first step" in trying to get federal disaster aid for affected producers.

U.S. Diesel Crisis Lingers as Europe Prepares for Russian Oil Ban
U.S. Diesel Crisis Lingers as Europe Prepares for Russian Oil Ban

Global diesel and distillate fuel stocks have fallen to dangerous levels and the U.S. has been exporting a lot of diesel to Europe and Latin America, but now things are changing.