Latest News From Sara Schafer

9 Forces Shaping the U.S. Rural Economy in 2022
9 Forces Shaping the U.S. Rural Economy in 2022

Despite COVID-19 variants, inflationary pressures and supply chain limitations, consumers will continue to power the economic rebound,

Our Editors Share Favorite Stories
Our Editors Share Favorite Stories

As we prepare to put 2021 to bed, several of our editors reminisced about the past year and identified the stories, pieces and clips they enjoyed producing the most.

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Rural Bankers: 83% of Farmers in Solid Cash Position

For 13 straight months, the rural economy has posted healthy and consistent growth.

Crazy, Amazing, Unbelievable: 2021 Farmland Market is One for the History Books
Crazy, Amazing, Unbelievable: 2021 Farmland Market is One for the History Books

A rising tide lifts all boats, and that was definitely the trend for the farmland market in 2021. 

A Look Back: 4 Takes on 2021 Weather
A Look Back: 4 Takes on 2021 Weather

From droughts to hurricanes to wildfires, this year has offered a little of everything when it comes to weather.

Missouri Non-Irrigated Cropland Values Jump 14%
Missouri Non-Irrigated Cropland Values Jump 14%

For 2021, all types of land in Missouri increased in value.

Weed Control In A New World Order
Weed Control In A New World Order

Consider these strategies if your former plan isn’t an option.

Let’s Talk Turkey: Fun Facts to Spread the Story of Agriculture
Let’s Talk Turkey: Fun Facts to Spread the Story of Agriculture

As the frantic pace of harvest winds down, we can reflect on another season of abundant effort.

Adopt An Attitude Of Gratitude
Adopt An Attitude Of Gratitude

Gratitude is like a muscle, the more you exercise it the stronger it becomes.

Why China’s Taste for Beef Is Growing
Why China’s Taste for Beef Is Growing

Market dynamics and consumer shifts support U.S. beef.

Rural Bankers: Farmland Prices Rocket to Record Highs
Rural Bankers: Farmland Prices Rocket to Record Highs

For 12 straight months, the Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) has remained above growth neutral, to the Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index.

Questions Abound for 2022 Crop Acres
Questions Abound for 2022 Crop Acres

Has there been a time when the acreage mix for the next crop year has been so hotly debated during the current harvest? What is your take on 2022 acres?

Soybeans in sunset
Soybean Prices Find Strength After Friendly USDA Report

The November Crop Production and World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates reports gave a lift to grain prices. 

Rural Bankers: 8 of 10 Farmers in Solid Cash Position
Rural Bankers: 8 of 10 Farmers in Solid Cash Position

For nearly a year, the rural economy has shown consistent growth, according to the Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI).

Data illustration
Technology Is … Harvesting Data to Make Management Decisions

Data-driven decisions use facts and metrics to help you make smarter decisions.

Fuel the Crush: Renewable Diesel Pumps Up Soybean Demand
Fuel the Crush: Renewable Diesel Pumps Up Soybean Demand

Public policy to reduce carbon emissions is fueling demand for bio-based fuels.

Farm Debt-to-Income Ratio Points to Continued Farmland Price Strength
Farm Debt-to-Income Ratio Points to Continued Farmland Price Strength

This has delivered numerous mind-blowing farmland sales. But will this runup in values continue?

Unspoken Truths About Pests: Corn Rootworm
Unspoken Truths About Pests: Corn Rootworm

Resistance and continuous corn are boosting populations of this yield-robbing pest.

How To Conduct Agronomic Autopsies
How To Conduct Agronomic Autopsies

Create a report card to evaluate your season-long decisions.

Meet Maryland’s Dietitian Turned Farmer
Meet Maryland’s Dietitian Turned Farmer

Jennie Schmidt brings a vital view to food production and consumption.

Trash These 7 Common Business Wastes
Trash These 7 Common Business Wastes

Adopt a lean-and-mean business mentality.

Corn field
Rural Bankers: Farmland Prices At Record Highs

For the tenth straight month Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index remained above growth neutral.

Assess Your Herbicide Program's Success
Assess Your Herbicide Program's Success

Careful notes and planning will put you ahead of weeds.

The Pros and Cons of Sale-Leasebacks
The Pros and Cons of Sale-Leasebacks

In today’s challenging environment, farmland sale-leasebacks are becoming more common and potentially smart strategy for farmers.

Nominate Outstanding Farmers for Top Awards
Nominate Outstanding Farmers for Top Awards

During the Summit, Top Producer will recognize remarkable farmers who have taken risks, built thriving businesses and given back to their communities.

Grade Your Business Management IQ
Grade Your Business Management IQ

Take a high-level assessment of your strengths and weaknesses.

See the Agenda for the Aug. 23 Illinois Farm Journal Field Day Event
See the Agenda for the Aug. 23 Illinois Farm Journal Field Day Event

It’s almost time for the 2021 Farm Journal Field Day events! First up is Whiskey Acres, a seed-to-spirit operation.

See the Agenda for the Aug. 25 Mississippi Farm Journal Field Day Event
See the Agenda for the Aug. 25 Mississippi Farm Journal Field Day Event

It’s almost time for the 2021 Farm Journal Field Day events! Join Farm Journal on Aug. 25 to get a first-hand look at farming in the Mississippi Delta.

Rural Bankers Rank Top Three Challenges
Rural Bankers Rank Top Three Challenges

The rural economy keeps chugging along, according to the Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index. For the ninth straight month, the RMI has stayed above growth neutral.

Farm Journal Field Days: Tour An Illinois Seed-to-Spirit Operation
Farm Journal Field Days: Tour An Illinois Seed-to-Spirit Operation

Farm Journal is bringing producers together at some of America’s top farms and we want you to be one of them. 

Grain Belt Farmland Values Jump 7.5% in 6 Months
Grain Belt Farmland Values Jump 7.5% in 6 Months

Farmland values continue to increase and are nearing levels not seen in eight years, according to a recent report from Farm Credit Services of America. 

Crop Tour Preview: Average to Above-Average Yields for Ohio Crops
Crop Tour Preview: Average to Above-Average Yields for Ohio Crops

On Aug. 16, scouts will sample fields in Ohio. What will they find in the Buckeye State? 

See the 2021 Farm Journal Field Day Agendas
See the 2021 Farm Journal Field Day Agendas

In 2021, you have the choice to join Farm Journal Field Days in person or online.

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Technology Is… Considering A CTO

Is now the time to expand your tech expertise? 

Unspoken Truths About Pests: Grasshoppers
Unspoken Truths About Pests: Grasshoppers

Extreme drought conditions have plagued the West, northern Plains and parts of the Midwest this growing season, which is the ideal environment for the jumping insect.

Technology Is ... Harvesting Field Data
Technology Is ... Harvesting Field Data

Take your digital strategy to the next level.

Farm Journal Field Days: Visit A Cutting-Edge Kansas Operation
Farm Journal Field Days: Visit A Cutting-Edge Kansas Operation

Farm Journal is bringing producers together at some of America’s top farms and we want you to be one of them. 

Fun Video: Things Farmer Never Say
Fun Video: Things Farmer Never Say

Ready for a laugh? Australian farmer San Heagney recently shared a video about things you’ll never hear farmers say.

Corn field
Rural Bankers See Farmland Price Decline Ahead

Rural America continues to see strong economic gains. For the eighth straight month, the Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index remained above growth neutral.

Nominate Outstanding Farmers for Top Producer Honors
Nominate Outstanding Farmers for Top Producer Honors

During the 2022 Top Producer Summit, Top Producer will recognize remarkable farmers who have taken risks, built thriving businesses and given back to their communities.

Drought Conditions Expand in the Upper Midwest
Drought Conditions Expand in the Upper Midwest

Drought conditions are holding tight in the Pacific Northwest, Northern Rockies, Northern Plains, and Upper Midwest, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor.

Free Webinar: A Preview of the 2021 Pro Farmer Crop Tour
Free Webinar: A Preview of the 2021 Pro Farmer Crop Tour

Register for the “View from the Field: A Preview of the 2021 Pro Farmer Crop Tour” webinar which takes place Thursday, July 15 at 3 p.m. central.

In Need of a Vacation? The Traveling Cowboy has Recommendations
In Need of a Vacation? The Traveling Cowboy has Recommendations

Have you caught the travel bug after many months at home? Would you like to combine some tour sights and sounds with a little agriculture?

‘A Different Calculus’ for Inputs for the 2022 Crop
‘A Different Calculus’ for Inputs for the 2022 Crop

During periods of rising corn and soybean prices, costs of fertilizer, pesticides, and other inputs rise in tandem.

Accidental Success: A Hot Dog that Tastes Like Steak
Accidental Success: A Hot Dog that Tastes Like Steak

Patrick Montgomery is in the business of delivering customers the best steaks they'll ever eat. Along the way, he may have just created the best hot dog anyone has ever tasted as well.

Soy Field
USDA Reports Reveal Zero Margin for Error for Corn, Soybean Production

The price rally that started in the fall of 2020 definitely attracted more corn acres in 2021. That was confirmed in USDA’s June Acreage report.

Market Surprise: Lower-Than-Expected Planted Acres Send Prices Higher
Market Surprise: Lower-Than-Expected Planted Acres Send Prices Higher

USDA’s June 30 Acreage report is known to offer a few surprises, and the 2021 edition delivered. 

Will High Prices Hinder USDA’s CRP Goal?
Will High Prices Hinder USDA’s CRP Goal?

CRP acres often follow market forces, according to research from Farmer Mac. As such, today’s high cash grain prices may dissuade producers from enrolling acreage in CRP programs.

Why Should You Attend the 2021 Farm Journal Field Days?
Why Should You Attend the 2021 Farm Journal Field Days?

Farm Journal Field Days is a combination of virtual and live programming to take place Aug. 23–27. Here’s an overview of the fun ahead.

Record-High Optimism Buoys Already Strong Farmland Prices
Record-High Optimism Buoys Already Strong Farmland Prices

Have you seen the shift in your area? Once-sleepy farmland prices are awake and shooting higher.