Purdue Commercial AgCast

Labor availability and labor retention are big issues in the U.S. economy and that's especially true for agribusiness firms and for commercial scale farm operations. According to the latest Purdue Agricultural Job Market Report, job postings are up by 50%. More employers are seeking entry-level candidates with higher levels of education. Additionally, it has become more common for employers to include salary information in their job postings as a way to encourage applications. In this episode, host Brady Brewer joins Josh Strine, a Ph.D. student in Purdue's Department of Agricultural Economics, to discuss the Purdue Ag Jobs Dashboard. They'll bring you up to speed on ag labor issues while reviewing recent trends from the latest June 2024 report. If you're a farm or agribusiness seeking to hire new staff or you're seeking a new career in agriculture, you won't want to miss this episode. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. The transcript from the discussion can be found at https://purdue.ag/agcast169.

Farmer sentiment drifted downward in June as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer reading of 105 was 3 points lower than a month earlier. The overall decline in sentiment was due to a five-point drop in the Index of Future Expectations, which fell to 112, while the June Current Conditions Index increased to 90, 1 point higher than the May index. High input costs, the risk of lower prices for their products, and rising interest rates continue to weigh on farmer sentiment. This month's Ag Economy Barometer survey was conducted from June 17-21, 2024. The Ag Economy Barometer sentiment index is calculated each month from 400 U.S. agricultural producers’ responses to a telephone survey. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier share some insight into the results of the June 2024 Ag Economy Barometer survey. The full report is available at https://purdue.ag/agbarometer. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. For more economic information and insights on the Ag Economy Barometer, visit us at http://purdue.edu/commercialag.

In this episode of the Purdue Commercial AgCast, host Brady Brewer is joined by Dr. Maria Marshall and Renee Wiatt to explore the crucial topic of farm succession planning and retirement preparedness. They discuss the findings of a recent survey conducted across the Midwest, examining the readiness of farm families to transition their businesses to the next generation. The conversation highlights the challenges and emotional complexities involved, emphasizing the importance of early planning and open communication to ensure both the business's sustainability and the family's cohesion. Listeners will gain valuable insights into effective strategies for balancing family dynamics and business goals during the succession process. This is the first episode in a 3-part series focused on succession preparedness. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. Guests from the Purdue Institute for Family Business and the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development. Slides and the transcript from the discussion can be found at https://purdue.ag/agcast167.

In the third episode of the strategic risk series, the Purdue University Center for Commercial Agriculture's team of ag economists, James Mintert, Michael Langemeier, and Brady Brewer discuss the tradeoff between improving efficiency and resilience of the farm business. This episode provides a series of questions you can use to help evaluate tradeoffs on your farm. The discussion concludes with five key managerial levers you can focus on when thinking about efficiency and resilience. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. Slides and the transcript from the discussion can be found at https://purdue.ag/agcast166. You can find the FULL video episode on our YouTube channel. Visit https://youtu.be/C3r5es8nJao to subscribe and watch.

U.S. farmers’ outlook improved in May as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer index rose to 108, marking a 9-point increase from April. Both of the barometer’s subindices saw increases, with the Index of Future Expectations climbing 11 points to 117 and the Current Conditions Index rising 6 points. The rise in crop prices played a role in boosting farmer sentiment this month. By mid-May, Eastern Corn Belt cash corn prices had increased by 6% to 7%, and soybean prices had risen by 2% to 3% since the April survey was conducted. The improvement in prices aligned with good corn and soybean planting progress, which likely contributed to the sentiment improvement. This month's Ag Economy Barometer survey was conducted from May 13-17, 2024. The Ag Economy Barometer sentiment index is calculated each month from 400 U.S. agricultural producers’ responses to a telephone survey. Purdue ag economist James Mintert shares some insight into the results of the May 2024 Ag Economy Barometer survey. The full report is available at https://purdue.ag/agbarometer. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. For more economic information and insights on the Ag Economy Barometer, visit us at http://purdue.edu/commercialag.

In the second episode of the strategic risk series, the Purdue University Center for Commercial Agriculture’s James Mintert, Michael Langemeier, and Brady Brewer provide examples of strategic risks and discuss ways agricultural producers can make their farm operation more resilient to strategic risks. They wrap up their discussion with a scenario-based approach you can adopt to make your farm more resilient to strategic risks. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. Slides and the transcript from the discussion can be found at https://purdue.ag/agcast164. You can find the FULL video episode on our YouTube channel. Visit https://youtu.be/kxvuEVm8vFk to subscribe and watch.

Dig into strategic risk management for farm businesses with the Purdue University Center for Commercial Agriculture. Join James Mintert, Michael Langemeier, and Brady Brewer as they discuss what strategic risks are and how to start thinking about your farm's ability to withstand shocks. The team of ag economists also discuss how important it can be to identify and capture the business opportunities that sometimes accompany a shock to the operating environment. This is the first episode in a series focused on helping ag producers learn to manage strategic risks. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. Slides and the transcript from the discussion can be found at https://purdue.ag/agcast163. You can find the FULL video episode on our YouTube channel. Visit https://youtu.be/GbXtaQUecGY to subscribe and watch.

April witnessed a steep decline in U.S. farmer sentiment, as indicated by the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer, which fell 15 points from March to a reading of 99. April marked the lowest farmer sentiment reading since June 2022 and the weakest current condition rating since May 2020. The sentiment decline was driven by worries regarding the current financial situation on farms and anticipated financial challenges in the coming year. The April Ag Economy Barometer survey was conducted from April 8-12, 2024. The Ag Economy Barometer sentiment index is calculated each month from 400 U.S. agricultural producers’ responses to a telephone survey. Purdue ag economist James Mintert shares some insight into the results of the April 2024 Ag Economy Barometer survey. The full report is available at https://purdue.ag/agbarometer. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. For more economic information and insights on the Ag Economy Barometer, visit us at http://purdue.edu/commercialag.

Total operator interest expense over the past year has increase 43%, leading producers to seek answers among a diversified agricultural credit space. From traditional lenders in ag, like the farm credit system and commercial banks or more non-traditional lenders like implement dealers and co-ops - How do these lenders compare? Host Brady Brewer, accompanied by guests Dr. Jennifer Iftt, Dr. Noah Miller, and Dr. Gerald Mashange, explore how agricultural loan interest rates vary among lenders. In this episode, they unpack a series of recent FarmDoc articles dissecting the nuances of interest rates in ag loans across various groups of lenders, geographic regions, and different types of farms. This podcast reviews three Farmdoc articles released by the guests: (1) Farm Loan Interest Rate Trends by Major Lender Group, (2) Farm Loan Interest Rate by Geographic Region, and (3) Do Different Types of Farms Pay Different Interest Rates? Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. The transcript from the discussion, as well as additional resources can be found at https://purdue.ag/agcast161.

U.S. farmers’ perspective on the future improved in March helping to push the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer up 3 points from February to a reading of 114. The Index of Current Conditions at 101 was 2 points below a month earlier while the Index of Future Expectations reached 120, 5 points higher than in February. The split between the current and future indices was driven primarily by farmers’ perception that their financial condition has deteriorated over the last year while they expect their financial situation to improve modestly in the next 12 months. The March Ag Economy Barometer survey was conducted from March 11-15, 2024. The Ag Economy Barometer sentiment index is calculated each month from 400 U.S. agricultural producers’ responses to a telephone survey. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier share some insight into the results of the March 2024 Ag Economy Barometer survey. The full report is available at https://purdue.ag/agbarometer. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. For more economic information and insights on the Ag Economy Barometer, visit us at http://purdue.edu/commercialag.

The latest Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer reveals a modest increase in farmer sentiment compared to the previous month, though concerns remain regarding farm financial performance in the year ahead. The barometer rose in February posting a reading of 111, 5 points higher than a month earlier. The modest rise in the barometer was attributable to producers expressing somewhat more optimism about the future as the Future Expectations Index rose 7 points to a reading of 115 while the Current Conditions Index was unchanged, both compared to a month earlier. Although farmers’ expectations for the future improved in February, their financial performance expectations did not. February’s Farm Financial Performance Index reading of 85 was 1 point lower than in January and 13 points below its most recent peak in December. Weak crop prices continue to weigh on financial expectations as mid-February Eastern Corn Belt cash prices for corn and soybeans were 7 and 8% lower, respectively, than two months earlier when the December survey was conducted. The February Ag Economy Barometer survey was conducted from February 12-16, 2024. The Ag Economy Barometer sentiment index is calculated each month from 400 U.S. agricultural producers’ responses to a telephone survey. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier share some insight into the results of the February 2024 Ag Economy Barometer survey. The full report is available at https://purdue.ag/agbarometer. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. For more economic information and insights on the Ag Economy Barometer, visit us at http://purdue.edu/commercialag.

This episode of the Purdue Commercial AgCast is a great opportunity for producers to review their crop insurance choices for the upcoming season. Purdue University Center for Commercial Agriculture’s ag economists Michael Langemeier and James Mintert and Brad Lubben, policy specialist and extension associate professor from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, walk participants through key considerations when making their 2024 insurance choices. During the episode they discussed a handy thumb rule to use when considering an increase in coverage levels for revenue protection insurance and the role of SCO insurance for farmers who opt for the PLC program on their corn acreage. After listening to the podcast you’ll be ready to make your 2024 crop insurance decisions. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. Slides and the transcript from the discussion can be found at https://purdue.ag/agcast158. You can find the FULL video episode on our YouTube channel. Visit https://youtu.be/dBaWfegRLLg to subscribe and watch.

Brad Lubben, policy specialist and extension associate professor from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joins Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier for a discussion on key 2024 farm program details. They highlight differences between the PLC and ARC programs for the 2024 crop year and how benefits from the two programs are likely to differ. After listening to the podcast you’ll be ready to make your 2024 farm program choice. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. Slides, decision tools, and additional farm bill decision resource links, as well as the transcript from this episode can be found at https://purdue.ag/agcast157. You can find the FULL video episode on our YouTube channel. Visit https://youtu.be/o67mmNUJAck to subscribe and watch.

Join host Brady Brewer for an episode with Purdue ag economist Michael Langemeier as they discuss USDA's latest farm income forecast for February 2024. Net farm income is expected to decline by 25% but remain near the long-run average. Gain insight into various crop and livestock sectors as they discuss enterprise revenues, farm household income, production expenses, breakeven prices for an Indiana case farm, and the U.S. farm sector balance sheet. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. Transcript from the discussion and more information from the Purdue Top Farmer Conference can be found at https://purdue.ag/agcast156.

Farmer sentiment took a downturn at the start of 2024 as the January Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer Index fell to a reading of 106, 8 points below a month earlier. Compared to year-end, producers had a more negative outlook of their farms’ current situation along with a weakened outlook for the future as the Current Conditions Index fell 9 points and the Future Expectations Index dropped 7 points, both compared to December. Anticipated lower farm income in 2024 significantly influenced the decline across all indices, evident in the Farm Financial Performance Index registering at 85, which was 12 points lower than a month earlier. The January Ag Economy Barometer survey was conducted from January 15-19, 2024. The Ag Economy Barometer sentiment index is calculated each month from 400 U.S. agricultural producers’ responses to a telephone survey. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier share some insight into the results of the January 2024 Ag Economy Barometer survey. The full report is available at https://purdue.ag/agbarometer. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. For more economic information and insights on the Ag Economy Barometer, visit us at http://purdue.edu/commercialag.

Host Brady Brewer recaps Michael Langemeier and Margaret Lippsmeyer's presentation on farm agility and resilience at the 2024 Top Farmer Conference. The discussion revolves around the importance of strategic risk management and the factors that contribute to a farm's resilience. Dr. Langemeier and Margaret highlight the relationships between farm growth, producer sentiment, risk preference, managerial ability, farm resilience, and the use of production ag technologies. The episode also touches upon the differences in producer sentiment between the Top Farmer Conference participants and the nationwide Ag Economy Barometer Survey. Tune in to learn more about the key takeaways from the survey and the strategies that farmers can adopt to become more resilient in their farming operations. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. Transcript from the discussion and more information from the Purdue Top Farmer Conference can be found at https://purdue.ag/agcast154.

Host Brady Brewer discussed the "boom" in renewable diesel and its expected impact on the soybean market with Dr. Scott Irwin, a professor of agricultural economics at the University of Illinois. In addition to discussing the renewable diesel market, Dr. Irwin also provides insight into the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) market and potential impacts on U.S. agriculture. Tune in to hear Brady and Scott discuss how the future might play out in these two important markets for U.S. agriculture. This episode is a recap of Dr. Scott Irwin's presentation at the 2024 Purdue Top Farmer Conference. Scott is the author of "Back To The Futures", a memoir of growing up on a family farm in Iowa and a market primer on commodity futures markets, which Scott has studied extensively over the course of his career, an academic career that is now in its 5th decade. Dr. Irwin is a globally recognized thought leader in agricultural economics and is one of the nation's foremost researchers focused on the impact of biofuels on commodity markets. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. Transcript from the discussion and more information from the Purdue Top Farmer Conference can be found at https://purdue.ag/agcast153.

Host Brady Brewer provides a recap of Dr. Chad Hart's presentation on the 2024 agricultural crop market outlook at the Purdue Top Farmer Conference. Dr. Hart, a professor and crop marketing specialist at Iowa State University, explores the shift to “normalcy” for crop prices and farm incomes in 2024. This episode also provides insights into the challenges and opportunities ahead ranging from the impact of possible drought on USDA projections to projected increases in soybean acres. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. Transcript from the discussion and more information from the Purdue Top Farmer Conference can be found at https://purdue.ag/agcast152.

Join host Brady Brewer as he recaps Dr. Brad Lubben’s presentation on the 2024 ag policy outlook at the Purdue Top Farmer Conference. Dr. Lubben, an extension ag policy specialist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, navigates the complexities of the current farm bill landscape, detailing challenges faced in 2023 and how we ultimately ended up with a one-year extension of the current legislation. This episode also provides insights into decisions farmers must make in 2024, emphasizing the changing economic landscape’s impact on safety nets and commodity program choices. Tune in for key insights on legislation, policy analysis and implications for the agricultural industry. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. Transcript from the discussion and more information from the Purdue Top Farmer Conference can be found at https://purdue.ag/agcast151.

U.S. farmers’ sentiment changed very little in December compared to the preceding month. The Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer recorded a reading of 114, just one point lower than a month earlier. Both sub-indices of the barometer, the Index of Current Conditions and the Index of Future Expectations, also fell one point below their respective November readings. Looking ahead to 2024, U.S. farmers inflation expectations are markedly lower than they were at the start of 2023. The December Ag Economy Barometer survey was conducted from December 4-8, 2023. The Ag Economy Barometer sentiment index is calculated each month from 400 U.S. agricultural producers’ responses to a telephone survey. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier share some insight into the results of the December 2023 Ag Economy Barometer survey. The full report is available at https://purdue.ag/agbarometer. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. For more economic information and insights on the Ag Economy Barometer, visit us at http://purdue.edu/commercialag.

Curious about the outlook for farm incomes in the coming year? Join host Brady Brewer in this episode with Purdue ag economist Michael Langemeier as they discuss farm income projections outlined in USDA's December Farm Income Forecast. Michael shares producer perspectives from the Ag Economy Barometer and takes a closer look on an Indiana case farm. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. Slides and the transcript from the discussion can be found at https://purdue.ag/AgCast149.

Agricultural producers’ sentiment increased for the second consecutive month, as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer index rose 5 points to a reading of 115, a 12% increase compared to the previous year. The sentiment growth is largely attributed to farmers’ improved perceptions of their farms’ financial conditions and prospects. This month’s Ag Economy Barometer survey was conducted from November 13-17, 2023. The Ag Economy Barometer sentiment index is calculated each month from 400 U.S. agricultural producers’ responses to a telephone survey. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier share some insight into the results of the November 2023 Ag Economy Barometer survey. The full report is available at https://purdue.ag/agbarometer. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. For more economic information and insights on the Ag Economy Barometer, visit us at http://purdue.edu/commercialag.

There was a slight uptick in agricultural producers’ sentiment in October, as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer index rose 4 points to a reading of 110. The modest improvement in farmer sentiment resulted from farmers’ improved perspective on current conditions on their farms as well as their expectations for the future. This month’s Ag Economy Barometer survey was conducted from October 16-20, 2023. The Ag Economy Barometer sentiment index is calculated each month from 400 U.S. agricultural producers’ responses to a telephone survey. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier share some insight into the results of the October 2023 Ag Economy Barometer survey. The full report is available at https://purdue.ag/agbarometer. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. For more economic information and insights on the Ag Economy Barometer, visit us at http://purdue.edu/commercialag.

Agricultural producers’ sentiment declined for the second month in a row during September as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer fell 9 points to a reading of 106. Weakening prices for major crops and ongoing concerns about high production costs and interest rates weighed on producers’ minds this month. This month’s Ag Economy Barometer survey was conducted from September 11-15, 2023. The Ag Economy Barometer sentiment index is calculated each month from 400 U.S. agricultural producers’ responses to a telephone survey. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Chad Fiechter share some insight into the results of the September 2023 Ag Economy Barometer survey. The full report is available at https://purdue.ag/agbarometer. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. For more economic information and insights on the Ag Economy Barometer, visit us at http://purdue.edu/commercialag.

Join us in this episode as we dive into the latest USDA farm income forecast released in August 2023. Discover the factors behind a notable 23% drop in net farm income and gain insights into the impact on various commodities, from corn and soybeans to wheat, and even cow-calf operations. Stay informed about how the impact of rising inflation and increased farm input prices are influencing breakevens and farmland values by tuning into this enlightening discussion. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. Slides and the transcript from the discussion can be found at https://purdue.ag/AgCast145.

Producer sentiment was notably lower in August, as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer index dipped 8 points to a reading of 115. This month’s decline was fueled by producers’ weaker perception of current conditions both on their farms and in U.S. agriculture. The Current Conditions Index fell 13 points to a reading of 108. The Future Expectations Index also declined, down 5 points in August to a reading of 119. This month’s Ag Economy Barometer survey was conducted from August 14-18, 2023. The Ag Economy Barometer sentiment index is calculated each month from 400 U.S. agricultural producers’ responses to a telephone survey. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier share some insight into the results of the August 2023 Ag Economy Barometer survey. The full report is available at https://purdue.ag/agbarometer. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. For more economic information and insights on the Ag Economy Barometer, visit us at http://purdue.edu/commercialag.

Discover how interest rates impact farming decisions, machinery choices, and the value of farmland. In this ag credit update podcast, Purdue ag economists Brady Brewer and Michael Langemeier discuss recent inflation trends, interest rate trajectories, loan markets and the ripple effects at the farm. Projections from producers on the latest Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer don't line up with policy makers at the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee (FOMC) on where we're headed for 2024. So where are interest rates going? Tune in to stay ahead of the financial currents affecting agriculture. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. Slides and the transcript from the discussion can be found at https://purdue.ag/AgCast143.

Purdue ag economists Todd Kuethe, James Mintert and Michael Langemeier discuss cash rental rates for Indiana farmland in this, the second of two episodes discussing the 2023 Purdue Farmland Values and Cash Rents Survey results. Each June, the department of agricultural economics surveys knowledgeable professionals regarding Indiana's farmland and cash rental market. The 2023 survey results confirm that, statewide, average cash rental rates for Indiana farmland rose about 2% above 2022's rates. However, changes in rates across Indiana's 6 regions were not uniform with rental rates in some regions and for some land quality types actually declining. To learn more about Indiana's 2023 farmland values, you can listen to the first of two podcasts in this series for a wide ranging discussion on Indiana farmland values with professors Kuethe, Langemeier and Mintert. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. Slides and the transcript from the discussion can be found at https://purdue.ag/agcast142. New! You can find the FULL video episode on our YouTube channel. Visit https://youtu.be/_r5ZQej9Wvg to subscribe and watch.

Purdue ag economists Todd Kuethe, James Mintert and Michael Langemeier discuss Indiana farmland values on this, the first of two episodes discussing the 2023 Purdue Farmland Values and Cash Rents Survey results. Each June, the department of agricultural economics surveys knowledgeable professionals regarding Indiana's farmland and cash rental market. The 2023 survey results confirm that the average value for Indiana farmland hit a new record high this summer. Growth in values, however, was relatively modest compared to the record high appreciation observed in 2022 and the shifts in farmland values varied quite a bit depending on location within the state and land quality. To learn more about Indiana's 2023 farmland cash rental rates, listen to the second of two podcasts in this series for a wide ranging discussion on cash rent with professors Kuethe, Langemeier and Mintert. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. Slides and the transcript from the discussion can be found at https://purdue.ag/agcast141. New! You can find the FULL video episode on our YouTube channel. Visit https://youtu.be/dPCsvO2GXW4 to subscribe and watch.

Agricultural producer sentiment improved slightly in July as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose two points above its June reading to an index value of 123. This month's Ag Economy Barometer survey was conducted from July 10-14, 2023. The Ag Economy Barometer sentiment index is calculated each month from 400 U.S. agricultural producers’ responses to a telephone survey. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier share some insight into the results of the July 2023 Ag Economy Barometer survey. The full report is available at https://purdue.ag/agbarometer. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. For more economic information and insights on the Ag Economy Barometer, visit us at http://purdue.edu/commercialag.

Farmer Sentiment rebounded on more optimistic view of future in June as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose 17 points to a reading of 121. This month’s survey was conducted from June 12-16, 2023. The Ag Economy Barometer sentiment index is calculated each month from 400 U.S. agricultural producers’ responses to a telephone survey. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier share some insight into the results of the June 2023 Ag Economy Barometer survey. The full report is available at https://purdue.ag/agbarometer. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. For more economic information and insights on the Ag Economy Barometer, visit us at http://purdue.edu/commercialag.

Greg and Jacob Rowland discuss their family's farm operation near Campbellsburg, Indiana with Purdue's James Mintert. Rowland Farms has been in operation since the late 1930's and will be featured as part of the Purdue Farm Management Tour on July 11, 2023 in Washington county, Indiana. Greg and Jenny Rowland took over the operation in 1989 and for well over a decade have focused on improving soil health via their use of cover crops to boost their farm's long-term productivity. Looking for expansion opportunities to make it possible to join the family's farm operation full-time, the Rowland's son, Jacob, recently put into operation a new commercial scale cage-free layer house. The highly automated poultry operation features a manure storage system that helps Rowlands obtain maximum value from the poultry litter they apply to their cropland. Hear how the Rowland's cover crop technology has evolved and how adding a new enterprise to the farm operation facilitated bringing the next generation back to the farm. Meet Greg, Jacob and Jenny Rowland in person and tour their farm operation! Join us for the 90th annual Purdue Farm Management Tour on July 11, 2023 at the Rowland Farm near Campbellsburg, Indiana. More details and registration information are at https://purdue.ag/farmtour. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture, https://purdue.edu/commercialag/. New! You can find the FULL video episode with Hackman's farm footage on our YouTube channel. Visit https://youtu.be/PbeJX3SCacE to subscribe and watch.

Megan Vanliew and Jacquelyn Jansinski, daughters of Tom & Ruth Hackman, discuss their roles on the Hackman family's farm near Vallonia, Indiana with James Mintert. Hackman Family Farm Market is a diversified farm operation and will be featured as part of the Purdue Farm Management Tour on July 11, 2023. The Hackmans have augmented their row-crop operation with produce including sweet corn, watermelons, cantaloupes, tomatoes and several other produce crops. In addition to supplying several major retailers with watermelons, the Hackman's also market directly to consumers via locations at the farm and in Seymour, Indiana. Their newest enterprise is a subscription based fresh produce delivery service. Hear how Megan, Jacquelyn and other family members value diversification and how they've developed new enterprises to fuel their farm operation's growth while successfully navigating food safety issues. Meet Megan and Jacquelyn and the rest of the Hackmans in person and tour their farm operation! Join us for the 90th annual Purdue Farm Management Tour on July 11, 2023 at the Hackman Family Farm Market near Vallonia, Indiana. More details and registration information are at https://purdue.ag/farmtour. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture, https://purdue.edu/commercialag/. New! You can find the FULL video episode with Hackman's farm footage on our YouTube channel. Visit https://youtu.be/neCFlcH_Ync to subscribe and watch.

Soybean futures volatility increased sharply this week as futures prices responded to concerns about dry weather possibly impacting crop yields. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Nathanael Thompson discussed the updated soybean outlook on the latest Purdue Commercial AgCast video podcast. The Center's team reviewed this week's soybean crop condition ratings and possible implications for 2023 U.S. soybean yield, production and carryover stocks. Shifting demand prospects for soybeans related to the increased usage of soybean oil for renewable fuels and trade prospects were also featured including a comparison of U.S. exports to those emanating from competing South American exporters. The discussion concluded with an overview of soybean basis, including a discussion of soybean processor and Ohio river basis, using the recently revamped Purdue Crop Basis Tool. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. Slides and the transcript from the discussion can be found at https://purdue.edu/commercialag/. New! You can find the FULL video episode on our YouTube channel. Visit https://youtu.be/344-BiC1AHg to subscribe and watch.

Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Nathanael Thompson discussed the updated corn outlook following USDA's June World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report on the latest Purdue Commercial AgCast podcast. The latest corn crop condition ratings were discussed along with implications for 2023 U.S. corn yield, production and carryover stocks. Corn export prospects were also featured with a comparison to South American and Black Sea region exports. The discussion concluded with an overview of corn basis and basis forecasts using the recently revamped Purdue Crop Basis Tool. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. Slides and the transcript from the discussion can be found at https://purdue.edu/commercialag/. New! You can find the FULL video episode on our YouTube channel. Visit https://youtu.be/thkEwSt-FrE to subscribe and watch.

Producer sentiment fell to its weakest reading since July 2022, as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer Index declined 19 points to a reading of 104 in May. This month’s survey was conducted from May 15-19, 2023. The Ag Economy Barometer sentiment index is calculated each month from 400 U.S. agricultural producers’ responses to a telephone survey. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier share some insight into the results of the May 2023 Ag Economy Barometer survey. The full report is available at https://purdue.ag/agbarometer. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. For more economic information and insights on the Ag Economy Barometer, visit us at http://purdue.edu/commercialag.

Farmer sentiment improved modestly in April as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer reversed a two-month decline up 6 points to a reading of 123. This month’s survey was conducted from April 10-14, 2023. The Ag Economy Barometer sentiment index is calculated each month from 400 U.S. agricultural producers’ responses to a telephone survey. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier share some insight into the results of the April 2023 Ag Economy Barometer survey. The full report is available at https://purdue.ag/agbarometer. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. For more economic information and insights on the Ag Economy Barometer, visit us at http://purdue.edu/commercialag.

Purdue ag economists Nathanael Thompson and James Mintert explore what's been taking place in the Eastern Corn Belt on corn basis, the May/July CBT corn spread, as well as the July/September CBT corn spread, and later discuss how you might pursue some marketing strategies for the remainder of the '22 crop that you might have in storage. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. Slides and the transcript from the discussion can be found at https://purdue.edu/commercialag/. New! You can find the FULL video episode on our YouTube channel. Visit https://youtu.be/akgk9a9YluU to subscribe and watch.

Farmer sentiment weakened again in March as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer fell 8 points to a reading of 117. Both the Index of Current Conditions and Index of Future Expectations declined 8 points in March leaving the Current Conditions Index at 126 and the Future Expectations Index at 113. Weaker prices for key commodities including wheat, corn, and soybeans from mid-February through mid-March were a key factor behind this month’s weaker sentiment reading. The Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer sentiment index is calculated each month from 400 U.S. agricultural producers’ responses to a telephone survey. This month’s survey was conducted from March 13-17, 2023 which coincided with the demise of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. For more economic information and insights on the Ag Economy Barometer, visit us at http://purdue.edu/commercialag.

On March 31st USDA released the Prospective Plantings and the March Grain Stocks reports, providing the first estimate of spring 2023 corn and soybean planting intentions. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier reviewed the information contained in both reports and discussed implications for the corn and soybean outlook in 2023. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. Slides and the transcript from the discussion can be found at https://purdue.ag/agcast130. If you are enjoying the podcast, tweet us using #AgCast.

The Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer Index dipped 5 points in February to a reading of 125. Farmers’ perspectives regarding both current conditions on their farms and their expectations for the future both weakened. This month’s survey revealed that producers’ confidence in the future growth of U.S. agricultural exports continues to weaken. In addition, although both land value expectation indices remain in positive territory, more producers think farmland values could weaken in the year ahead than on previous surveys. This month’s survey was conducted from February 13-17, 2023. The Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer sentiment index is calculated each month from 400 U.S. agricultural producers’ responses to a telephone survey. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier share some insight into the results of the February 2023 Ag Economy Barometer survey. The full report is available at https://purdue.ag/agbarometer. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. For more economic information and insights on the Ag Economy Barometer, visit us at http://purdue.edu/commercialag.

Farming is never the same from year to year - sometimes prices are good, net farm income is high, and other times margins are tight. Planning ahead, or contingency planning for financial hardship is important for any farm operation. In this final episode in the Farm Risk Management series, Purdue's Michael Langemeier and Ed Farris join Brady Brewer to discuss financial risk management. How to evaluate farm financials, update financial statements, analyze performance, and when borrowing makes sense. This series is based on the Six Pillars of Farm Risk Management course, funded by the North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. Find the rest of this farm risk management series and resources at https://purdue.ag/farmriskmgmt. More information on contingency planning is on the Purdue Institute for Family Business' website https://purdue.ag/fambiz.

This episode of the Purdue Commercial AgCast is a great opportunity for producers to review their crop insurance choices for the upcoming season. Purdue University Center for Commercial Agriculture's ag economists Michael Langemeier and James Mintert walk participants through key considerations for their 2023 insurance options. In particular, they discuss a handy thumb rule to use when considering an increase in coverage levels for RP insurance. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. Slides and the transcript from the discussion can be found at https://purdue.ag/cropinsurance2023. New! You can find the FULL video episode on our YouTube channel. Visit https://youtu.be/y4gY4j-6ukg to subscribe and watch.

Product, price, place, and promotion are important in marketing to current and potential buyers. In this episode, a continuation of the Farm Risk Management series, Ariana Torres, Renee Wiatt, and Jenna Nees join Brady Brewer to discuss contingency planning for marketing risk management. This series is based on the Six Pillars of Farm Risk Management course, funded by the North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. Find the rest of this farm risk management series and resources at https://purdue.ag/farmriskmgmt. More information on contingency planning is on the Purdue Institute for Family Business' website https://purdue.ag/fambiz.

Farms and agribusinesses are confronted by many different types of risk in today's market, including social media. In this third episode in the Farm Risk Management series, Purdue University's Jenna Nees, Renee Wiatt and Ariana Torres join Brady Brewer to discuss social media's impact on businesses and how to build a contingency plan to protect your farm. This series is based on the Six Pillars of Farm Risk Management course, funded by the North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. Find the rest of this farm risk management series and resources at https://purdue.ag/farmriskmgmt. More information on contingency planning is on the Purdue Institute for Family Business' website https://purdue.ag/fambiz.

Purdue agricultural economists Nathanael Thompson, Michael Langemeier, and James Mintert discussed the corn and soybean outlook following USDA's February World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report and provided implications for crop marketing strategies on February 10, 2023. Monthly Outlook provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. Slides and the transcript from the discussion can be found at https://purdue.ag/webinar021023. Find the FULL video episode on our YouTube channel, Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture, visit https://youtu.be/PpEn7yzReCY to subscribe and watch.

Why should you think like a Chief Financial Officer (CFO)? Every farm needs someone to fulfill the CFO role, with or without the title of CFO. Sometimes the role of an accountant and CFO are confused. A CFO uses accounting information to help project what's going to happen on a farm, going well beyond the accounting function. Most farms already have a balance sheet in addition to cash income and expense information that can be used for taxes. That's an accounting role. The individual on the farm with CFO responsibilities is responsible for putting together a set of financial statements and analyzing the information contained in these statements. A farm manager who thinks like a CFO can leverage balance sheet and cash flow information to develop accrual income, sources and uses of funds, and owner’s equity statements which can be used to ensure the farm is well positioned for the future. Join Purdue ag economists Michael Langemeier and James Mintert for an episode discussing why you should think like a CFO for your farm operation. This episode begins a new series on farm financial management. The next episode will be released in a few weeks. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. Find the rest of this farm financial management series and related resources at https://purdue.ag/farmfinancialmgmt. New! You can find the FULL video episode on our YouTube channel, Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture. Visit https://youtu.be/DUAD_BWp7yM to subscribe and watch.

The Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer Index rose again in January, to a reading of 130, 4 points above its 2022 year-end index value. The January survey results also pushed the index 34% above its 2022 low point which occurred last June. The barometer’s modest rise in January was primarily attributable to better expectations for the future as the Future Expectations Index rose 5 points to 127 while the Index of Current Conditions, with a value of 136, changed little compared to December. This month’s survey was conducted from January 16-20, 2023. The full report is available at https://purdue.ag/agbarometer. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. For more economic information and insights on the Ag Economy Barometer, visit us at http://purdue.edu/commercialag.

Basis is an important component for crop producers to consider when marketing grain because it is used to convert the futures price to a local cash equivalent. Futures prices and basis follow different seasonal patterns so the ability to manage futures price risk and basis risk independently creates an opportunity to improve returns. Join Purdue ag economists and co-creators of the Purdue Crop Basis Tool, Nathan Thompson and Jim Mintert for an episode discussing the advantages of using the Center’s Crop Basis Tool, available for corn and soybeans in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. This episode begins a new series on crop marketing. The next episode will cover thumb rules to use when forecasting basis, released in a few weeks. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. Find the rest of this crop marketing series and related resources at https://purdue.ag/cropmarketing. New! You can find the FULL video episode on our YouTube channel, Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture. Visit https://youtu.be/tNHOQ6sazFw to subscribe and watch.

With egg prices up nearly 75% and grocery bills on the rise, Jayson Lusk, Distinguished Professor and Department Head of Agricultural Economics joins Brady Brewer to discuss food price inflation. Jayson is also the Director of the Purdue Center for Food Demand Analysis and Sustainability (CFDAS) which provides dashboards and reports on food data, emerging topics, and consumer trends. Although food prices have been on the rise since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, certain grocery items have risen more than others. Jayson shares why many livestock producers are scaling back, the effects of supply chain issues, and how food inflation is affecting consumer spending and preferences. Podcast provided by Purdue University’s Center for Commercial Agriculture. You can find the CFDAS’s dashboards and the latest report by visiting the CFDAS’s website at https://ag.purdue.edu/cfdas. Slides from this discussion can be found at https://purdue.ag/3XWXZWI. If you enjoyed this podcast, tweet us using #AgCast.