Purdue Commercial AgCast

In this episode, we discuss the updated corn and soybean outlook following release of USDA's October Crop Production and World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) reports. Purdue ag economists Michael Langemeier, Nathanael Thompson and James Mintert review new information from USDA and implications for 2021 crop marketing strategies. Updates on yield and crop production estimates, corn and soybean export prospects, ethanol demand, ending stock estimates, and corn and soybean basis along with farm income projections are also discussed. Slides from the discussion can be found at https://purdue.ag/webinar101321. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. For more information on the current ag outlook and farm economy, visit us at http://purdue.edu/commercialag.

Sentiment among agricultural producers weakened in September as the Ag Economy Barometer declined 14 points to a reading of 124. This is the weakest farmer sentiment reading since July 2020 when the index stood at 118. Producers were less optimistic about both current and future conditions on their farms and the agricultural sector than they were a month earlier. Purdue ag economist James Mintert reviews the results and gives some insight into the September 2021 Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer, a nationwide monthly survey of 400 ag producers. This month’s survey was conducted from September 27-29, 2021. 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, we discuss the updated corn and soybean outlook following release of USDA's September Crop Production and World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) reports. Purdue ag economists Michael Langemeier, Nathanael Thompson and James Mintert review new information from USDA and implications for 2021 crop marketing strategies. Updates on crop conditions, corn and soybean export prospects, ethanol demand, ending stock estimates, and corn and soybean basis along with farm income projections are also discussed. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. For more information on the current ag outlook and farm economy, visit us at http://purdue.edu/commercialag.

Agricultural producers’ sentiment improved slightly in August compared to July as the Ag Economy Barometer rose four points to a reading of 138 vs. 134 a month earlier. The modest rise in the barometer was primarily attributable to an improvement in the Index of Current Conditions, which climbed 9 points to 152 while the Index of Future Expectations rose just 2 points to 132. Although the barometer and its two key sub-indices improved in August compared to July, all three indices remain well below the very positive sentiment readings posted this past spring. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier review the results and give some insight into the August 2021 Ag Economy Barometer survey, a nationwide monthly survey of 400 ag producers. This month’s survey was conducted from August 23-27, 2021. 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 Todd Kuethe, James Mintert and Michael Langemeier discuss the 2021 Purdue Farmland Values Survey results and the USDA's Land Values report. The department of agricultural economics conducts the Purdue Farmland Value and Cash Rent Survey each June; the survey is produced through the cooperation of numerous professionals knowledgeable regarding Indiana's farmland market. The survey results suggest farmland prices across Indiana rose to all-time highs in June 2021. Statewide, 2021 cash rental rates increased across all land quality classes. Download companion slides or a video recording at https://purdue.ag/webinar082021. If you are enjoying the podcast, tweet us using #PurdueCommercialAgCast. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. For more information on farmland values, cash rents and the farm economy, visit us at http://purdue.edu/commercialag.

Purdue ag economists Michael Langemeier, Nathanael Thompson and James Mintert discussed the corn and soybean outlook following release of USDA's August Crop Production and World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) reports. In this episode, the Purdue team reviews the reports and provides implications for the upcoming crop year. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. For more information on the current ag outlook and farm economy, visit us at http://purdue.edu/commercialag.

On the heels of a sharp two-month decline, the Agricultural Economy Barometer stabilized at a reading of 134 in July, just 3 points below a month earlier. This month’s sentiment index was the weakest barometer reading since July of 2020 and marked a return to sentiment readings observed from 2017 through 2019 when annual average barometer readings ranged from 131 to 133. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier review the results and give some insight into the July 2021 Ag Economy Barometer survey, a nationwide monthly survey of 400 ag producers. This month’s survey was conducted from July 19-23, 2021.. 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.

Many farms are not large enough or the next generation may not be interested in the farm business. Some farms may look outside their own family for non-related parties to bring into the farming operation. Purdue ag economists Brady Brewer discusses transferring the farm to a non relative with the Purdue Farm Transition team, Dr. Maria Marshall, Director of the Purdue Institute of Family Business and Renee Wiatt, Farm Business Management Specialist, and Dr. Julia Valliant of Indiana University, Research Scientist with the Ostrom Workshop. Finding a successor, determining a transition plan for the operational business and/or the land, and structuring the transfer process are discussed by the team on this episode. If you are enjoying the podcast, tweet us using #PurdueCommercialAgCast. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. Find the rest of this farm succession series at http://purdue.ag/successionplan and more information on farm succession planning on the Purdue Institute for Family Business’ YouTube channel.

Purdue ag economists Michael Langemeier, Nathanael Thompson and James Mintert discussed the corn and soybean outlook following release of USDA's July Crop Production and World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) reports. In this episode, the Purdue team reviews the reports and provides implications for the upcoming crop year. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. For more information on the current ag outlook and farm economy, visit us at http://purdue.edu/commercialag.

For the second month in a row, the Ag Economy Barometer declined sharply, falling to a reading of 137, which was 21 points below a month earlier, and the weakest ag producer sentiment reading since July 2020. Producers in June were less optimistic about both current conditions on their farming operations as well as their expectations for the future. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier review the results and give some insight into the June 2021 Ag Economy Barometer survey, a nationwide monthly survey of 400 ag producers. This month’s survey was conducted from June 21-25, 2021. 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.

According to today's (June 30) released numbers by USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the acreage estimate came in on the low end of expectations. Purdue ag economists James Mintert, Nathanael Thompson, and Michael Langemeier provide a discussion of the implications for corn and soybean markets following USDA's release of the June Acreage report. The Acreage and Grain Stocks reports are available online at www.nass.usda.gov. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. For more economic information and insights on the ag outlook, visit us at http://purdue.edu/commercialag.

Questions about agriculture's potential role in carbon sequestration are on many producers' minds these days. Purdue agricultural economists Carson Reeling, Nathanael Thompson and James Mintert discussed the opportunities and challenges of the carbon markets in U.S. agriculture for row crop producers. Download companion slides or a video recording at https://purdue.ag/webinar062421. If you are enjoying the podcast, tweet us using #PurdueCommercialAgCast. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. For more information on the current ag outlook and farm economy, visit us at http://purdue.edu/commercialag.

Purdue ag economists Michael Langemeier, Nathanael Thompson and James Mintert discussed the corn and soybean outlook following release of USDA's June Crop Production and World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) reports. In this episode, the Purdue team reviews the reports and provides implications for the upcoming crop year. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. For more information on the current ag outlook and farm economy, visit us at http://purdue.edu/commercialag.

The Ag Economy Barometer declined 20 points in May to 158 which is the lowest barometer reading since September 2020 when the index stood at 156. Both principal sub-indices, the Index of Current Conditions and Index of Futures Expectations, declined also. Reflecting expectations for a strong crop sector, two-thirds of corn and soybean producers expect farmland cash rental rates to rise in 2022 compared to 2021. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier review the results and give some insight into the May 2021 Ag Economy Barometer survey, a nationwide monthly survey of 400 ag producers. This month’s survey was conducted from May 10-14, 2021. 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.

Farm families face challenges with retirement planning and implementation similar to other small businesses but are unique as retirement can be implemented in various individualized situations for operations and management transitions. What activities will the retiring generation take part in? Will he/she remain involved in the labor, management, or ownership? Questions always arise on money for retirement living and similar to other businesses, a lawyer, a financial planner, an accountant, and other professionals may be of aid when retirement planning. Purdue ag economists Brady Brewer discusses retirement planning with the Purdue Farm Transition team, Kelly Heckaman, Jeff Pell and Denise Schroeder. If you are enjoying the podcast, tweet us using #PurdueCommercialAgCast. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. Find the rest of this farm succession series at http://purdue.ag/successionplan and more information on farm succession planning on the Purdue Institute for Family Business’ YouTube channel.

Purdue ag economists Michael Langemeier, Nathanael Thompson and James Mintert discussed the corn and soybean outlook following release of USDA's May Crop Production and World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) reports. In this episode, the Purdue team reviews the reports and provides implications for the upcoming crop year. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. For more information on the current ag outlook and farm economy, visit us at http://purdue.edu/commercialag.

The April reading of the Ag Economy Barometer was 178, virtually unchanged from a month earlier when the index stood at 177 and just 5 points below its all-time high of 183, which was set back in October. Compared to March, however, there was a small change in producers’ perspective on the ag economy as they became more optimistic about the future, while their appraisal of the current situation waned. This month’s survey was conducted from April 19-23, 2021. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier review the results and give some insight into the April 2021 Ag Economy Barometer survey, a nationwide monthly survey of 400 ag producers. 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.

A contingency plan is a set of procedures that defines how a business will operate in the event that some sort of disruption to the business occurs. Dr. Maria Marshall and Renee Wiatt join Dr. Brady Brewer to discuss what is in a contingency plan, risks that a contingency plan can cover, and why having one is needed for a successful farm transition. If you are enjoying the podcast, tweet us using #PurdueCommercialAgCast. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. Find the rest of this farm succession series at http://purdue.ag/successionplan and more information on farm succession planning on the Purdue Institute for Family Business’ YouTube channel.

Purdue ag economists Michael Langemeier, Nathanael Thompson and James Mintert discussed the corn and soybean outlook following release of USDA's April Crop Production and World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) reports. On this episode, the Purdue team reviews the reports and provides implications for the upcoming crop year. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. For more information on the current ag outlook and farm economy, visit us at http://purdue.edu/commercialag.

The Ag Economy Barometer rose in March to 177, the highest reading for the barometer since the record high reading of 184 in October. Strong ag commodity prices and improved farm financial conditions continue to support the Ag Economy Barometer readings as we head into spring. This month’s survey was conducted from March 22-26, 2021. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier review the results and give some insight into the March 2021 Ag Economy Barometer survey, a nationwide monthly survey of 400 ag producers. 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.

According to today's (March 31) released numbers by USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), growers across the U.S. intend to plant 91.1 million acres of corn, up less than 1% from last year, and soybean producers intend to plant 87.6 million acres in 2021, up 5% from last year. Purdue ag economists James Mintert, Nathanael Thompson, and Michael Langemeier focus on the corn and soybean outlook in light of USDA's March Prospective Plantings and Grain Stocks reports. What does this mean for you? The Prospective Plantings and Grain Stocks reports are available online at www.nass.usda.gov. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. For more economic information and insights on the ag outlook, visit us at http://purdue.edu/commercialag.

Today we are talking about the value of your farm data. Purdue University agricultural economist Brady Brewer is joined by Purdue agricultural economist Nate Delay to discuss the types of farm data, the trust in sharing your data, and what price you'd put on that data. Farm data has come a long way and the value on it is a little unclear - a new Purdue study will help answer that question. If you are enjoying the podcast, tweet us using #PurdueCommercialAgCast. Podcast provided by Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture. For more economic information and insights on farm data and agriculture, visit us at http://purdue.edu/commercialag.

Who can join the farm? And how? What terms are set on compensation if equity and contributions aren't equal? In this episode, our eighth in our Farm Transition Planning series, Purdue ag economists Brady Brewer and Michael Langemeier discuss agreements that are important in a farm business with Purdue Farm Transition team member Ed Farris. They talk operating agreements and common provisions, as well as buy/sell agreements. Find the rest of this series at https://purdue.ag/3lnl6I0 and more information on farm succession planning on the Purdue Institute for Family Business’ YouTube channel.

Purdue ag economists Michael Langemeier, Nathanael Thompson, and James Mintert discuss the corn and soybean outlook following release of USDA’s March Crop Production and World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) reports. On this episode, the Purdue team reviews the USDA reports and provides implications for the upcoming crop year. Find more information on the current crop outlook and farm economy by visiting the Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture's website at https://purdue.ag/webinar031021.

Crop insurance is an important aspect of nearly every corn and soybean farm’s risk management program. There are some new choices to consider this year, including the Extended Coverage Option (ECO). This episode is a great opportunity for producers to review their crop insurance alternatives as Purdue University Center for Commercial Agriculture's ag economists Michael Langemeier and James Mintert walk participants through considerations for their 2021 choices. Download companion slides or a video recording at https://purdue.ag/webinar030121. Crop Insurance Tools discussed in the episode can be found at the University of Illinois' Farmdoc website - https://farmdoc.illinois.edu/crop-insurance.

February's Ag Economy Barometer changed very little compared to January, down 2 points to a reading of 165. Ongoing strength in ag commodity prices and farm income continue to support producers’ perspective on current conditions while concerns about possible policy changes affecting agriculture and eroding confidence in future growth in ag trade continue to weigh on producers’ future expectations. This month’s survey was conducted from February 15-19, 2021. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier review the results and give some insight into the February 2021 Ag Economy Barometer survey, a nationwide monthly survey of 400 ag producers. The full report is available at https://purdue.ag/agbarometer.

Choosing a business entity is a key aspect in liability, taxation, capitalization, decision making, agricultural government payments, and transfer options for all farm businesses. When it comes time to transition your farm business to the next generation, whether your farm is set up as a sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, or LLC, how your business is structured will affect many aspects. Deciding on a business entity requires much thought and advice. In this episode, our seventh in our Farm Transition Planning series, Purdue ag economist Brady Brewer and members of the Purdue Farm Transition team Kelly Heckaman and Ed Farris discuss the impact of business structure in farm succession planning and give examples where it’s important to have structures in place that fit for your business. Find the rest of this series at http://purdue.ag/2OYomxd and more information on farm succession planning on the Purdue Institute for Family Business’ YouTube channel.

Purdue University agricultural economist Brady Brewer is joined by Purdue agricultural economist Michael Langemeier to discuss credit underwriting and the criteria financial institutions use to determine eligibility of an applicant. Character, capital, capacity, collateral, and conditions are the five Cs of credit used in credit underwriting. These metrics are used for credit ratings to quantify and decide eligibility, interest rates and credit limits of borrowers. This episode focuses on what credit analyst means for farmers, how each of the 5 Cs are measured, and how farms can use this information for their gain and to manage risk.

Purdue ag economists Michael Langemeier, Nathanael Thompson and James Mintert discussed USDA’s February Crop Production and World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) reports. Tight U.S. crop supplies combined with concerns about the South American harvest and prospects for big acreage swings are all on ag producers’ minds. The Purdue team reviewed updated information from USDA and other sources and discussed strategies to consider for 2021. Find more information on the current crop outlook and farm economy by visiting the Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture's website at https://purdue.ag/webinar021021.

The Ag Economy Barometer drifted lower in January to a reading of 167, a decline of 7 points compared to December and equal to the index’s November reading. The barometer’s decline over the last three months is all attributable to weaker expectations for the future as the Index of Future Expectations has fallen 35 points or about 19 percent since October. This month’s survey was conducted from January 18-22, 2021. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier review the results and give some insight into the January 2020 Ag Economy Barometer survey, a nationwide monthly survey of 400 ag producers. The full report is available at https://purdue.ag/agbarometer.

Adding on to our series about Farm Transition Planning, in this sixth episode, we focus on the importance of governance in a farm business. Having policies on who's in power, how decisions are made, and how to hold accountability among team members (especially when it comes to family) makes running a farm business easier. Purdue agricultural economists Brady Brewer and members of the Purdue Farm Transition team Renee Wiatt and Dr. Maria Marshall discuss the impact of governance in farm transition planning and give examples of decisions where it's important to have policies in place (in-laws, prenuptial, social media, employment and compensation). Find the rest of the episodes in this series at https://purdue.ag/3a5jXQb and more information on farm succession planning on the Purdue Institute for Family Business' YouTube channel.

Crop producers need to make their 2021 farm program choices at their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office (or online) by March 15, 2021. Producers have the option of choosing either the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program. Purdue agricultural economists Michael Langemeier and James Mintert review how the most commonly chosen program options during the last sign-up period played out for the 2019 crop and are likely to play out for the 2020 crop. They conclude with a discussion about how to go about making your 2021 program elections. Find the accompanying pdf document of this discussion at http://purdue.ag/2021farmbilldecisions.

Purdue ag economists Michael Langemeier, Nathanael Thompson and James Mintert discussed United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) January Crop Production and World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) reports. The Purdue team reviewed information released in the USDA reports and looked at what the year ahead may have in store during the webinar. Carryover corn and soybean supplies have tightened considerably, and concerns exist regarding the size of South America's harvest. Find more information on the current crop outlook and farm economy by visiting the Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture's website at https://purdue.ag/webinar011321.

Farmer sentiment improved modestly in December as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose to a reading of 174, up 7 points from November. Both of the barometer’s sub-indices, the Index of Current Conditions and the Index of Future Expectations, were higher in December than in November although the current conditions improvement was three-times the size of the future expectations increase. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier review the results and give some insight into the December 2020 Ag Economy Barometer survey, a nationwide monthly survey of 400 ag producers. The full report is available at https://purdue.ag/agbarometer.

In this fifth episode of our series about Farm Transition Planning, we focus on conflict management – what is conflict, what causes it, how do we handle it within a farming business to come to a resolution. Purdue agricultural economists Brady Brewer and members of the Purdue Farm Transition team Renee Wiatt, Dr. Maria Marshall and Heather Caldwell discuss the levels and sources of conflict within today’s farm businesses. Working together as a team, possibly across generations of families, the team reviews how to resolve conflict and not avoid it. Find the companion episodes in this series at https://purdue.ag/2WzLZN3 and the YouTube channel on farm succession planning.

In this episode, Purdue agricultural economists Michael Langemeier, Nathanael Thompson, and James Mintert discussed USDA’s December Crop Production and World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) reports. As the end of the year is nearing, the Purdue team reviews information released in the USDA reports and looks ahead at what next year may have in store regarding potential profitability estimates for corn and soybeans. Find more information on the current crop outlook and farm economy by visiting the Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture's website at https://purdue.ag/webinar121120.

In this episode, Purdue agricultural economists James Mintert and Brady Brewer discuss the latest December release of the USDA Farm Income Forecast report. Each year, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) forecasts farm income in February and then releases additional updates throughout the year as more data becomes available. This Purdue Commercial AgCast episode discusses the latest updates to the 2020 forecast released by USDA on December 2nd. In an earlier episode, we share more about how to interpret the adjustments - find that episode at 'Understanding USDA Farm Income Forecasts'.

U.S. farmers' sentiment weakened following the November 2020 elections, as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer fell 16 points from a month earlier to a reading of 167. The decline in the Ag Economy Barometer was the result of weakened expectations for the future on the part of agricultural producers. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier review the results and give their insight into the November 2020 Ag Economy Barometer survey, a nationwide monthly survey of 400 agricultural producers. The full report is available at https://purdue.ag/agbarometer.

The Purdue Crop Cost and Return Guide offers farmers a resource to project financials for the coming cropping year. Purdue ag economists Michael Langemeier and Brady Brewer discuss the latest numbers from the Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture's decision tool along with tips on how to use this tool to make farm operating decisions. The guide tool discussed in this episode can be accessed and downloaded at https://purdue.ag/budget2021.

On this episode, Purdue agricultural economists Nathanael Thompson and James Mintert discussed USDA’s November Crop Production and World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) reports. They provide updates on key changes in USDA's corn and soybean balance sheet, implications on the ag trade outlook and marketing strategies, and updated potential profitability estimates for 2021. Find more information on the current crop outlook by visiting the Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture's website at https://purdue.ag/webinar111120.

Farmer sentiment hit a new record high in October as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer climbed to a reading of 183, a 27-point increase compared to September. The reading easily eclipsed the previous record high set back in February, before the pandemic’s onset. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier review the results and give some insight into the October 2020 Ag Economy Barometer survey, a nationwide monthly survey of 400 ag producers. The full report is available at https://purdue.ag/agbarometer.

What are and what drives the adoption of "enhanced conservation practices" on the farm? In this episode, Purdue agricultural economists Allan Gray and Brady Brewer discuss their recent research that examines the adoption practices of enhanced conservation practices. This study consisted of focus groups with farmers and agricultural retailers across the Midwest. Dr. Gray and Dr. Brewer discuss what constitutes an enhanced conservation practice according to the study participants along with what drives producer adoption and how retailers view their role in helping farmers analyze what practices they may benefit from adopting. Find out more about the research discussed at https://purdue.ag/3kxkdeC.

Purdue agricultural economists Michael Langemeier and James Mintert discussed United States Department of Agriculture’s October Crop Production and World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) reports. This podcast provides information released in the USDA reports and updated profitability estimates and marketing strategies for both corn and soybeans. Find more information on this outlook by visiting the Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture's website at https://purdue.ag/webinar100920.

U.S. agricultural producers became more optimistic again in September as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer climbed to 156, the highest reading for the index since the pandemic began last winter and 12 points higher than one-month earlier. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier review the results and give some insight into the September 2020 Ag Economy Barometer survey, a nationwide monthly survey of 400 ag producers. The full report is available at https://purdue.ag/agbarometer.

Adding to our series about Farm Transition Planning, in this fourth episode, we focus on the human resource side of succession planning. Keeping the farm business running between generations and management tiers can be difficult, but job descriptions and keeping open communication is key. Purdue agricultural economists Brady Brewer and members of the Purdue Farm Transition team Jenna Nees, Denise Schroeder, and Kyle Weaver discuss the importance of having a strong HR strategy and some common issues that many farms face as they transition management roles. Find the companion episodes in this series at https://purdue.ag/34buLZR.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) releases a number of reports throughout the year. In this episode, Purdue agricultural economists Todd Kuethe and Brady Brewer discuss the latest September release of the USDA Farm Income Forecast report. Each year, USDA forecasts farm income in February and then releases four additional updates throughout the year as more data becomes available. This Purdue Commercial AgCast episode discusses the accuracy and bias of these forecasts along with how to interpret the adjustments.

Purdue agricultural economists Michael Langemeier and James Mintert discussed USDA’s September Crop Production and World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) reports on September 11. The reports provided USDA’s first objective yield estimates for the 2020 corn and soybean crops. The webinar includes an overview of the information on the two reports along with a discussion regarding implications of the changes for the corn and soybean outlook in addition to a review of the likely changes in corn and soybean profitability and what that portends for 2021 cash rental rates. Find more information on this outlook by visiting the Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture's website at https://purdue.ag/webinar091120.

Farmer sentiment improved markedly in August as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose to a reading of 144, 26 points higher than a month earlier. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier review the results from the August 2020 Ag Economy Barometer survey, a nationwide monthly survey of 400 ag producers. The barometer and its two sub-indices all posted their most positive readings since February 2020 when record highs were established and before the pandemic began. The full report is available at https://purdue.ag/agbarometer.

Purdue University agricultural economist Brady Brewer is joined by Purdue Agricultural Economics graduate student Chad Fiechter and Kansas State agricultural economist Jennifer Ifft to discuss issues surrounding vendor and trade credit in the agricultural finance sector. There has been a lot of growth in farmer use of vendor and trade credit as terms and conditions for this credit can sometimes be cheaper for farmers. This episode focuses on what this credit means for farmers and what pitfalls there may be for a producer that is thinking about using this type of financing for the purchase of equipment or inputs.

Adding to our series about Farm Transition Planning, in this third episode, we discuss how to evaluate if the farm can add an employee. As a farm expands, it is important to evaluate the feasibility of adding an operator and/or hired employees as well as the feasibility of purchasing or renting additional land, and machinery and equipment. Purdue agricultural economists Michael Langemeier and Brady Brewer discuss two critical factors: gross revenue and profitability. Find the companion episodes in this series, as well as the article discussed in this episode at https://purdue.ag/3aHRbox.