Latest News From Top Producer

Who Is The Driving Force Buying Farmland?
Who Is The Driving Force Buying Farmland?

David Muth of Peoples Company Capital Markets, the Investment platform for Peoples Company, shares how institutional investors have reacted to higher interest rates on their land investments pursuits.

Will We See a Hard Fall or Soft Landing? It's the Million Dollar Question for the Farm Economy This Year
Will We See a Hard Fall or Soft Landing? It's the Million Dollar Question for the Farm Economy This Year

The Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor is a gauge of economists’ views on the ag economy. While outlooks have grown weaker, it’s the erosion in the future outlook that is sprouting fresh concerns.

‘Green Book’ Proposals Could Mean Substantial Tax Increases
‘Green Book’ Proposals Could Mean Substantial Tax Increases

Paul Neiffer, The Farm CPA, details some of the Biden administration's 2025 budget plans and how they could affect farmers if approved. Of the provisions, only one would potentially help farmers, he says.

2024 Top Producer Of The Year Christine Hamilton: Driven For Excellence
2024 Top Producer Of The Year Christine Hamilton: Driven For Excellence

At Christiansen Land and Cattle, they’re committed to excellence and continuous improvement, a mindset that started when Christine Hamilton’s family homesteaded in South Dakota in 1891.

Why Ag Economists Think Net Farm Income Could Fall to Lowest Level in 3 Years
Why Ag Economists Think Net Farm Income Could Fall to Lowest Level in 3 Years

Ag economists’ views on the ag economy took a dive in the first Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor of 2024; however, relatively strong balance sheets and working capital could provide a cushion for 2024. 

ADM Puts CFO On Leave With Ongoing Investigation In Cooperation with SEC
ADM Puts CFO On Leave With Ongoing Investigation In Cooperation with SEC

Vikram Luthar’s leave is pending an ongoing investigation being conducted by outside counsel for ADM and the Board’s Audit Committee.

3 Leadership Trends You Need to Adopt in 2024
3 Leadership Trends You Need to Adopt in 2024

For long-term success, farm leaders should regularly assess the landscape of their operation and adjust their strategies accordingly.

New Survey Shows Labor is Serious Challenge for Ag Industry
New Survey Shows Labor is Serious Challenge for Ag Industry

The availability of livestock workers was ranked as more limited than crop workers and finding long-term help seen as more difficult than temporary help due to the seasonal nature of the ag industry.

From a Recession in China to $4 Corn, Here Are 10 Potential Surprises Ag Economists Say Could Impact Agriculture in 2024
From a Recession in China to $4 Corn, Here Are 10 Potential Surprises Ag Economists Say Could Impact Agriculture in 2024

From the election to world trade, as well as geopolitical factors that have the potential to shape agriculture in 2024, the December Ag Economists' Monthly Monitor shows the possibility of several economic surprises.

Prevent Quitting: Keep Employees Top of Mind in 2024
Prevent Quitting: Keep Employees Top of Mind in 2024

These 10 steps can help keep your employees from walking away.

Better Yields and Improved Crop Prices Propel Ag Economists' Outlooks for 2024
Better Yields and Improved Crop Prices Propel Ag Economists' Outlooks for 2024

After two months of a waning outlook on the ag economy, economists views took a turn in the November Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor, a survey of nearly 70 ag economists from across the country.

Will Border Security Issues Force Congress To Take Action On Immigration Reform? Ag Economists Say It's Unlikely
Will Border Security Issues Force Congress To Take Action On Immigration Reform? Ag Economists Say It's Unlikely

The debate over immigration continues to be an issue in Washington. However, the Ag Economists' Monthly Monitor shows economists are still skeptical it's enough for Congress to act on immigration reform.

High Interest Rates Are Already Impacting Farmers, And It's Coming at the Expense of Ag Loans
High Interest Rates Are Already Impacting Farmers, And It's Coming at the Expense of Ag Loans

Farmers are opting to tap into their savings from recent prosperous years instead of taking out loans at the highest interest rates since 2007, according to surveys conducted by regional Federal Reserve banks.

Is A Recession Imminent? Here Are The Red Flags Ag Economists Are Now Watching
Is A Recession Imminent? Here Are The Red Flags Ag Economists Are Now Watching

While ag economists continue to be at odds when it comes to the likelihood of a recession in the U.S., some doubt the country's biggest importers will be able to avoid a recession over the next 18 months.

John Phipps: Trying to Explain the Unexplainable in China
John Phipps: Trying to Explain the Unexplainable in China

China's GDP growth could possibly drop lower than the U.S. this year. In fact, fewer and fewer sectors are healthy, and only then by direct government intervention.

Single Best Tool To Predict Peak Performance
Single Best Tool To Predict Peak Performance

What if there was one tool to focus on using to achieve the best recruitment and retention?

John Phipps: Is There Really a Shortage of Truck Drivers?
John Phipps: Is There Really a Shortage of Truck Drivers?

In early 2022, a possible trucker shortage grabbed headlines, but John Phipps says even today, there isn't much hard data to substantiate that alarm.

Vision Meets Fortitude In This Next Gen Cattleman
Vision Meets Fortitude In This Next Gen Cattleman

Grounded by his family but propelled by vision, Trey Wasserburger is the energetic force behind creating more processing capacity for local cattle producers.

John Phipps: AI Aftershocks
John Phipps: AI Aftershocks

“Farmers are likely far down the list of threatened occupations.”

Fill Farm Management Gaps to Maximize Farm Productivity
Fill Farm Management Gaps to Maximize Farm Productivity

“Most farms don’t have the time, capabilities, perspectives, resources or desire to do all the tasks it takes to run an operation," says Steve Kluemper, AgriStrategies LLC founder. "A lot of growers hire to fill gaps."

High-Quality Farmland Is Still Inching Up In Price Across 18 States
High-Quality Farmland Is Still Inching Up In Price Across 18 States

A mid-year report from Farmers National shows land values are increasing by single digits instead of the double digits common in 2021-22. But the company says it has a strong roster of listings headed into late summer.

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. 

These 4 Cattle Data Sets Speak for Themselves
These 4 Cattle Data Sets Speak for Themselves

Here are the key market headwinds ahead for the cattle industry.  

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.

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.

4 Ag Policy Issues to Watch in 2023
4 Ag Policy Issues to Watch in 2023

Big moves in Washington in 2023 could impact your farm.

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.  

Young Farmers Build Dream Farm, One Piece At A Time
Young Farmers Build Dream Farm, One Piece At A Time

Brendan and Elaine Martin are building their dream farm — one piece at a time. 

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Rural Economy Posts Growth for 15 Straight Months

For 15 straight months, the rural economy has posted healthy and consistent growth.

Horizon Award Honors Husband-and-Wife Team for Their Drive and Focus
Horizon Award Honors Husband-and-Wife Team for Their Drive and Focus

Congratulations to Martin Angus, the 2022 recipient of the Tomorrow’s Top Producer Horizon Award. Take a virtual trip to their diversified operation nestled in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia.

Avoid These 4 Family Business Sins
Avoid These 4 Family Business Sins

Here's how you can avoid committing these harmony-harming mistakes.

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Rural Bankers Rank the Greatest Threats for 2022

For 14 straight months, the rural economy has posted healthy and consistent growth.

Free Webinar: Have Your Tax Questions Answered by The Farm CPA
Free Webinar: Have Your Tax Questions Answered by The Farm CPA

There’s no one better to provide a realistic and informative take on tax planning than Paul Neiffer, principal with CLA and author of “The Farm CPA” blog. 

Pasture to Plate: A Culture-Driven Beef Business
Pasture to Plate: A Culture-Driven Beef Business

The Ducheneaux family reconnects consumers with their food source 

The Future of Agricultural Lending
The Future of Agricultural Lending

Be ready for new ways to finance your farm.

Worried About Biden’s Tax Plan? Paul Neiffer Has Recommendations
Worried About Biden’s Tax Plan? Paul Neiffer Has Recommendations

President Joe Biden's tax plan has both good and bad news for farmers, says Paul Neiffer, a CPA and principal with CLA and author of the “Farm CPA” blog.

7 Reasons Your Best Employees Quit
7 Reasons Your Best Employees Quit

Learn how to avoid these frustrating and deal-breaking mistakes.