Latest From Opinion

Paul Neiffer
A Final $306 Million ERP Payment Will be Paid for 2020 and 2021 Disasters

USDA announced more money to be paid to farmers who had qualifying disasters in 2020 and 2021. These payments will only be paid to farmers who collected payments under Phase 1 not Phase 2.

Paul Neiffer
Tax Relief For American Families and Workers Act Passes Out of House Ways & Means Committee

If the act passes, the major item that applies to farmers is that 100% bonus depreciation is allowed on 2023 returns. Therefore, farmers might want to wait to file their return until sometime in February.

Stephanie Mercier
Disruptions to Normal Shipping Patterns are Causing Another Spike in Ocean Freight Rates

Major disruptions to shipping through the Panama and Suez canals, occurring for very different reasons, are contributing to the recent spike in ocean freight rates.

Stephanie Mercier
Biofuels Seeking New Horizons

U.S. biofuel use has plateaued in recent years, and the industry is seeking new ways to expand use. One promising outlet is more use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in the commercial aviation sector.

Global Farmer Network
Keeping the Politics Out of Labels

Labels have become political. Many of them are no longer about what people need to know, but rather what special-interest groups seek to impose.

Kristin Leigh Lore
How New Carbon Claims Shortchange Sustainable Agriculture and Why It Matters

“I believe we have to broaden the conversation beyond just low carbon,” said Amy Skoczlas Cole. “If we can reconnect to the roots of what this is all about—rather than counting molecules—we will be so much better off.”

John Phipps
How Accurate is the Farmers' Almanac in Forecasting Winter Weather?

While the Farmers' Almanac and Old Farmer's Almanac are both backward looking – derived from past data that come close to current conditions. Weather agencies are tending more toward predictive computer models.

Global Farmer Network
Peace Through Agriculture

We believe in peace through agriculture. Instead of arming ourselves with weapons, however, we take up the tools of farming.

Paul Neiffer
Does 2024 Rhyme with 2014

Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) uses Olympic Average MYA prices to determine the amount of guarantee. The 2024 numbers may be almost exactly the same as 2014 numbers.

Global Farmer Network
The Great Carbon Rush

If farmers can experience a financial incentive in carbon farming that supports the practices and measurement strategies they have in place, many will begin working with imagination to become excellent carbon farmers.

Paul Neiffer
Is $100 an Acre Enough to Get Farmers to Sign Up?

USDA announced a $80-million grant to Virginia Tech to promote climate-smart agricultural practices. Also, the $100 is the three-year total, so the annual payment is less than $35 per acre.

Paul Neiffer
Are Land Values Topping Out Now?

The Chicago Federal Reserve notes land value increases finally dropped into single digits in the second quarter.

Stephanie Mercier
Emerging Groundwater Issues Likely to Affect U.S. Agriculture

The rate of groundwater withdrawal from aquifers is increasing in many parts of the country, and agricultural use in irrigation is accounting for much of that change. Climate change may be accelerating this trend.

Global Farmer Network
Water Investment Produces a Healthy Crop Using Precision Agriculture and Zero Waste

It takes a gallon of water to grow an almond—but in addition to a tasty nut we get an economic boost, multipurpose materials, and a marvel to behold.

Global Farmer Network
Protecting Bees for the Good of Agriculture

If you’re tempted to build a beehive in your backyard, think twice. And instead of resorting to thoughtless prohibitions in the name of favored insects, let’s look for innovations trusting farmers to do the right thing.

Paul Neiffer
What is the Typical IRS Extension Relief for Natural Disasters

The IRS allows most taxpayers affected by disasters additional time to file and pay their taxes. We review some of those details.

Global Farmer Network
Recognizing the Triumph of Science in Space and Agriculture

If India returns to our legacy of agricultural achievement, imagine what we will do in the future, on earth and among the stars.

Jen Kendrick-NC Pork Council
5 Things I Learned About Hog Farming from Aerial Surveillance

When an environmental group announced it was taking people on an aerial surveillance of Eastern North Carolina to “document and expose” animal feeding operations, Jen Kendrick decided to do the same. Here's what she saw.

Stephanie Mercier
Building Stronger Food Systems in the Face of Global Shocks

Agricultural R&D can help developing countries address their own unique challenges and shore up local food systems to better withstand shocks. This blog summarizes a research paper on this topic.

Stephanie Mercier
Whither the 2023(??) Farm Bill

I provide an update on the current status of the next farm bill, which looks highly unlikely to pass before the 2018 farm bill formally expires.

Global Farmer Network
Major Phosphate Discovery Critical to Sustainable Food Production

On a planet with more people than ever before, the discovery of phosphate means that fertilizer will remain a viable food production tool for most of the rest of the century.

Paul Neiffer
A Discussion with Chip Flory of AgriTalk on the Farm Program Integrity Act of 2023

I was on the AgriTalk program yesterday with Chip Flory discussing the Farm Program Integrity Act of 2023. In this post we provide a link to that discussion.

Paul Neiffer
IRS Says Supply Chain Issues Do Not Allow You to Claim an ERC

Many promoters claim you qualify for the Employee Retention Credit due to supply chain issues. They are wrong and the IRS provides additional guidance on this issue.

Global Farmer Network
Sustainable Agriculture Thrives When Farmers are Free to Choose How to Farm

Family farmers understand sustainability and strive for long-term success through innovation and freedom in decision-making. The farm isn’t just an asset, it’s an inherited legacy to be passed on to descendants.

Paul Neiffer
How Farm Credit Banks Have Taken Market Share From Ag Banks

The Kansas City Fed released a report showing how the Farm Credit System has increased their market share of ag loans.

Paul Neiffer
Estimated ERP Phase 2 Payouts

USDA assumes that $1.504 billion of ERP Phase 2 claims will be filed by July 14, but we believe the final number will be much lower. Here's a rundown from Paul Neiffer.

Paul Neiffer
Deducting Excess Soil Fertility

If you purchase or inherit a new farm, you might be able to deduct the excess soil fertility. However, there is very little guidance on this deduction from the IRS.

Global Farmer Network
Recognizing the Power of Collaboration in Cooperatives

Most agricultural co-ops are often invisible to consumers, even as they keep grocery prices in check by letting farmers stay economically sustainable.

Global Farmer Network
Recognizing the Continual Improvement of Water Quality

The policy of the EPA and the rest of the federal government should be to join the Supreme Court in supporting and trusting farmers and landowners to do the right thing.

Paul Neiffer
A Practical Webinar on Filing the ERP Phase 2 and PARP Applications

This webinar will provide some practical guidance on filing out the ERP Phase 2 and PARP applications that are now due July 14, 2023.

Stephanie Mercier
The Use of "Biologicals" in Agriculture

'Biological' products contain beneficial, naturally occurring microorganisms or microbial derivatives as active ingredients, and are used by farmers to enhance the efficiency of other inputs such as fertilizer.

Global Farmer Network
Recognizing the Power of Peace Through Agriculture

Ukraine has an incredible partner in Heidi Kuhn, an anti-landmine activist who understands the vast dimensions of a global menace, and 2023 recipient of the World Food Prize.

Bill Biedermann
Are We Reliving The 1980s? Maybe. Survival Advice For Young Farmers

The economic environment today is similar to the 1970s and into the mid-80s. Although we are not expecting a 1980s-style farm collapse, there are lessons and opportunities to gain from a milder version of the 1980s. 

Paul Neiffer
Corporate Transparency Act Webinar

This act requires most farm operations that filed with the Secretary of State to file an online report beginning in 2024. The penalties for not doing so are $500 per day, Here's a webinar that breaks down the basics.

Stephanie Mercier
Latest IPCC report predicts dismal consequences for global agriculture due to climate change

Released in March, the sixth IPCC assessment report finds that the planet is likely to exceed the 1.5 degree C warming target established in the Paris Accord, which will put more stress on the global agricultural sector.

Paul Neiffer
Will Section 45Z Create "Payments" to Farmers?

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) created new Section 45Z "Clean Fuel Production Credit" starting in 2025. Will this credit lead to extra payments to farmers?

Stephanie Mercier
U.S.-Mexico Clash over Biotech Corn Heats up Again

The U.S. and Mexican governments will initiate consultations under USMCA to attempt to resolve disagreements over a Mexican decree limiting imports of corn with biotech traits.

Paul Neiffer
Senators Urge Grantor Trusts Reforms

Several Senators sent a letter to the IRS urging changes to various grantor trust rules. They believe the IRS has the authority to make these changes. We shall see.

Stephanie Mercier
Adopting More Soil Conserving Practices Can Reduce Crop Insurance Costs

Two recent studies confirm the notion that greater use of conserving practices such as no-till and cover cropping can reduce the incidence of prevented planting under the federal crop insurance program.

Stephanie Mercier
The Evolution of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy

This blog summarizes the 60-plus year history of the European's Common Agricultural Policy, from its launch as a system set up to protect producers in six European countries to today's 27-member EU exporting behemoth.

Stephanie Mercier
How Gene Editing Can Help Agriculture Adjust to Climate Change

This blog describes advances in agricultural biotechnology in recent decades, and how gene editing techniques can be used to help farmers adjust to climate change.

U.S. Farm Report
John Phipps: Why the Pesticide Shortage Could Alter the Way Farmers Do Business

One of the biggest ag supply chain stories this spring has been pesticides. While my experience is these situations are usually overblown early, the situation could alter the way farmers do business in the years ahead.

Greg Henderson
U.S. Senate Works Overtime to Protect Sunshine

A foreign leader addressing a joint session of Congress this week was a rarity. Not to be outdone, the partisan and often cantankerous members of the U.S. Senate passed legislation unanimously on a voice vote!

Guest Commentary
Are You Getting Full Use Out Of Your Drone?

Good quality drone video and imagery can help your marketing stand out from competitors. “Drones help us highlight the best of a property, and also highlight the things we need to improve,” says Tim Cobb.

U.S. Farm Report
John Phipps: Making a Meaningful Memorial Day

John Phipps says not including younger generations in a moment to reflect on those who have who gone before and especially who risked much on our behalf, the custom of formal remembrance will slip away.

Guest Commentary
My Road to Using Cover Crops

Brian Doerr recently introduced regenerative agriculture practices, including cover crops, on his family's Nebraska farm. He details his decision-making and implementation steps here.

NAICC
NAICC’s Foundation Supports the Future of Ag

The resources of the Foundation exist as building blocks for the maintenance and future of professional crop management practitioners.

Alex Clark
In-Person Education With ASFMRA

This July, the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers will hold its annual Education Week once again after being virtual in 2020.

Margy Eckelkamp
A Great Year For Change

Whether it’s how you’re investing in technology or how your company is regearing itself for the farmer of the future, the ag industry is evolving right before our eyes.

Margy Eckelkamp
Farmer-Facing Rebates: Threads In The Sweater

The one common thread—suppliers say they still rely on and appreciate ag retailers as the local trusted adviser.