Latest News From Sara Schafer

June Rural Mainstreet Index: Machinery Sales and Farmland Prices Soar
June Rural Mainstreet Index: Machinery Sales and Farmland Prices Soar

Economic stability and growth are returning to rural America.

white house government
Biden Rolls Out Strategy to Reduce Supply Chain Disruptions

To build a more resilient supply chain, the White House just published a 250-page report with assessments and an expansive list of recommendations.

The Farm CPA Podcast: Steve Bruere, Peoples Company
The Farm CPA Podcast: Steve Bruere, Peoples Company

This week Paul Neiffer has a conversation with Steve Bruere, president of Peoples Company. 

An alleged $2.6 million was embezzled by a former employee of the Oklahoma Beef Council.
The Farm Economy Explained in 5 Charts

The latest round of agricultural credit condition surveys from the Federal Reserve banks shows improved strength in the agricultural economy.

U.S. Corn Planting Nears 70% Complete
U.S. Corn Planting Nears 70% Complete

The last seven days were busy with corn planting across the U.S.

warren_buffett
Warren Buffett’s 4 Best Tips for Business Leaders

Warren Buffett has been the chairman of Berkshire Hathaway since 1970. He is routinely asked for his advice by students and others in the business. Here are a few of his tips.

ag tech
Your Path to Smart Farm Technology Investments

With higher commodity prices, you may be in the market to make an upgrade or new investment on your farm. Whether that’s iron, software or land, the first step is to calculate the payback.

3 Reasons Corn Prices Shot Past $7
3 Reasons Corn Prices Shot Past $7

How high will prices go? How long will the high prices last? What is behind this rally? Here are some of the factors at play.

Access 3 Webinars Focused on the Carbon Markets
Access 3 Webinars Focused on the Carbon Markets

Fill out the form to access three sessions covered carbon markets and carbon sequestration.

Maximize Your Planter Pass: An On-furrow Program Offers Payback
Maximize Your Planter Pass: An On-furrow Program Offers Payback

Months of planning precede each planter pass on Joe Zumwalt’s farm. He knows his in-furrow program can set the stage for a healthy and high-yielding crop. 

Rural Bankers: Farmland Prices Hit Highest Level Since 2012
Rural Bankers: Farmland Prices Hit Highest Level Since 2012

The April farmland price index climbed to 78.6 — the highest level since 2012.

AgTech Spotlight: Global Neighbor
AgTech Spotlight: Global Neighbor

Weeds don’t stand a chance versus the weed seed destroyer.

Time Management Hack: Grab a Tomato Kitchen Timer
Time Management Hack: Grab a Tomato Kitchen Timer

Is there something on your to-do list that keeps sinking to the bottom? To really maximize your time for those tasks, build in time for short breaks.

Iowa Farmland Values Jump 8% in Six Months
Iowa Farmland Values Jump 8% in Six Months

This year has been an incredibly active and competitive farmland market across all the Midwest

Rural Mainstreet Index Hits Record High
Rural Mainstreet Index Hits Record High

The Rural Mainstreet Index for March soared to a record-high 71.9. March represents the fifth time in the past six months the index climbed above growth neutral.

4 Charts to Analyze from the 2021 FAPRI Baseline
4 Charts to Analyze from the 2021 FAPRI Baseline

The outlook for agriculture is uncertain, but more optimistic than it was a few months ago, according to the 2021 U.S. Baseline Outlook report compiled by FAPRI.

Commodity Swaps Provide Flexibility and Can Reduce Risk
Commodity Swaps Provide Flexibility and Can Reduce Risk

A commodity swap is used to hedge against commodity price swings by locking in a price.

Record Chinese Demand Drives Markets
Record Chinese Demand Drives Markets

Understand the fundamentals at play for prices.

The strength and timing of the economic recovery are contingent on three uncertain factors.
3 Factors Weigh on the Economic Recovery

The strength and timing of the economic recovery are contingent on three uncertain factors.

Unprecedented U.S. weather conditions, export numbers and USDA’s Ag Outlook Forum all weighed on prices this week, says Jamie Wasemiller, market analyst with Gulke Group.
The Two Ways to Look at the Ag Outlook Numbers

Unprecedented U.S. weather conditions, export numbers and USDA’s Ag Outlook Forum all weighed on prices this week, says Jamie Wasemiller, market analyst with Gulke Group.

Attend the Online Top Producer Summit
Attend the Online Top Producer Summit

We're quickly closing in on the Top Producer Summit online event, which kicks off Feb. 23.

Accountability Drives Business Momentum
Accountability Drives Business Momentum

With all the global and economic uncertainty, it’s easy to just say: “OK, I’ll take whatever outcome — successful or terrible — that comes my way. 

Carbon Markets Webinar: Everything Farmers Need to Know
Carbon Markets Webinar: Everything Farmers Need to Know

Curious how carbon markets can add new revenue streams to your farm? Hear from producers who are exploring the possibilities of carbon markets and learn the ins and outs from carbon-market experts and scientists.

3 Maps to Assess Drought Conditions
3 Maps to Assess Drought Conditions

Look to see your risk for a dry start to planting season.

Rural Bankers Share Top Concerns Index
Rural Bankers Share Top Concerns Index

The rural economy is slowly improving after being crashed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Behind The Business Of Seed
Behind The Business Of Seed

Responsible for Syngenta’s North American seed business, Justin Wolfe says he’s learned are to never stop learning and do business with those who value the integrity of a handshake—or today, an elbow bump.

Drought Drives Weather Outlook
Drought Drives Weather Outlook

Could 2021 match the record-dry pattern of 2012? 

Use this framework to understand COVID-19’s tail.
3 Economic Charts To Analyze

Use this framework to understand COVID-19’s tail.

Jerry Gulke: Global Appetite for U.S. Grain Continue
Jerry Gulke: Global Appetite for U.S. Grain Continue

The grain markets continue their steady march upward. March corn prices were up 34.25¢ and March soybean prices were up 41.75¢ for the week.

2021 Farmland Outlook: Buckle Up for a Dynamic Market
2021 Farmland Outlook: Buckle Up for a Dynamic Market

Key forces are converging to send farmland values higher — maybe even to historic levels.

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

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

Lisa Safarian is Bayer Crop Science Commercial Operations, North America.
Bayer’s Lisa Safarian Talks Farming Trends, Leadership

Lisa Safarian is Bayer Crop Science Commercial Operations, North America.

Thanksgiving may look different in 2020, but farmers are still the focus.
Let’s Talk Turkey, Thanksgiving and Traditions

Thanksgiving may look different in 2020, but farmers are still the focus.

A National Snapshot of Cash Rents
A National Snapshot of Cash Rents

For 2020, the national average for cash rents on cropland is $139 per acre, which is down $1 from 2019.

See how the top soybean exporters stack up in terms of competitiveness.
Global Scorecard: See How the Top 3 Soybean Exporters Stack Up

See how the top soybean exporters stack up in terms of competitiveness.

A Look at Land Values
A Look at Land Values

The average farm real estate value for the U.S. is $3,160 per acre in 2020.

Chase Dewitz of Steele, N.D., was recognized with the 2020 Tomorrow’s Top Producer Horizon Award. He is congratulated by Sara Schafer, Top Producer Editor, and Mark Timke, National Strategic Account Manager for Pioneer.
Nominate the Nation's Best Young Farmers

Do you demonstrate exceptional marketing, technology or finance skills with your farming or ranching operation? Are you under the age of 35? If so, apply to win the Tomorrow’s Top Producer Horizon Award.

The COVID-19 pandemic has a long and unprecedented tail.
When Does the Economy Return to Normal?

The COVID-19 pandemic has a long and unprecedented tail 

Here are a few highlights for another fun-filled and information-packed day.
Check Out Day Three of Farm Journal Field Days

Here are a few highlights for another fun-filled and information-packed day.

The rural economy is slowly rebounding from the impact of COVID-19. The Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI), a monthly survey of bank CEOs in a 10-state Midwest region, sits at 44.7 for August 2020.
Rural Mainstreet Index Creeps Up for August

The rural economy is slowly rebounding from the impact of COVID-19. The Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI), a monthly survey of bank CEOs in a 10-state Midwest region, sits at 44.7 for August 2020.

There are 1,000 prizes up for grabs during your attendance of Farm Journal Field Days, which runs Aug. 25-27.
1,000 Prizes up for Grabs at Farm Journal Field Days

There are 1,000 prizes up for grabs during your attendance of Farm Journal Field Days, which runs Aug. 25-27.

Lee Brice, Martina McBride, Jennifer Nettles, Rodney Atkins, Justin Moore and other stars share their support for young people during this challenging time.
Country Music Stars Headline #FarmON Benefit Concert Supporting 4-H

Lee Brice, Martina McBride, Jennifer Nettles, Rodney Atkins, Justin Moore and other stars share their support for young people during this challenging time.

Register now to join us Aug. 25-27 for live and on-demand education, networking and entertainment. 
Have You Registered for Farm Journal Field Days Yet?

Register now to join us Aug. 25-27 for live and on-demand education, networking and entertainment. 

Farm Journal Field Days is days away! Plan to join us Aug. 25-27 for this free event.
The Clock is Ticking on Farm Journal Field Days! Register Now!

Farm Journal Field Days is days away! Plan to join us Aug. 25-27 for this free event.

Farm Journal Field Days has been designed to provide everything you need during these challenging times.
Farm Journal Field Days: Learning, Networking and Entertainment!

Farm Journal Field Days has been designed to provide everything you need during these challenging times.

Build Your Agenda for Farm Journal Field Days
Build Your Agenda for Farm Journal Field Days

We have a full three-day agenda covering topics including strategies to deal with financial stress to balancing equipment with manpower and much more. 

Q&A with Justin Wolfe, Syngenta Regional Director North America Seeds
Syngenta’s Justin Wolfe Talks Seeds, Global Agriculture and More

Q&A with Justin Wolfe, Syngenta Regional Director North America Seeds

The Farm Journal Field Days is an unparalleled format of virtual live and on-demand learning, with discussion and networking designed to be inclusive for all farmer leaders and their operations. 
Enjoy On-Demand and Live Learning at Farm Journal Field Days

The Farm Journal Field Days is an unparalleled format of virtual live and on-demand learning, with discussion and networking designed to be inclusive for all farmer leaders and their operations. 

Farm Journal invites you to join farmers from across America at this free event at #FJFieldDays, a virtual extravaganza.   
Check Out the Agenda for Farm Journal Field Days

Farm Journal invites you to join farmers from across America at this free event at #FJFieldDays, a virtual extravaganza.   

Farm Journal Field Days is a combination of virtual and live programming to take place Aug. 25–27.
Make Plans to Attend Farm Journal Field Day

Farm Journal Field Days is a combination of virtual and live programming to take place Aug. 25–27.