Latest News From Farm Economy

Ag economists’ views on the ag economy took a dive in the first Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor of 2024; however, relatively strong balance sheets and working capital could provide a cushion for 2024. 

Noted ag economist Dr. David Kohl forecasts tighter margins in the year ahead and emphasizes the need to globalize and future-proof operations. 

Findings from CoBank's new quarterly report provides updates on the U.S. economy and agricultural markets.

If Congress doesn't pass stopgap funding, crop production and progress reports will probably stall. That won't bode well for markets. "Usually it means that we've got some selling pressure ahead,” says one analyst.

There’s a new record farmland sale on the books. After a 15-min. bidding war between two area farmers, the gavel fell at $34,800 per acre, which is $4,800 more than the previous record set in November 2022 in Iowa.

Sixty-five percent of farmers surveyed in July expect interest rates to climb in the next 12 months. On a positive note, 7 out of 10 said they expect farmland cash rental rates to remain roughly the same for 2024.

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

Economic growth is stalling in rural America. That’s according to the Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) from Creighton University. 

The rural economy seems to be set on cruise in neutral gear. That’s according to the Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) from Creighton University. 

What will the next decade hold for your farm? What factors should you use to weigh investments or crop planning?  Here are five trends and data sets to ponder from USDA's latest Agricultural Baseline Projections.

For a sixth consecutive month, the rural economy has posted signs of weakness. That’s according to the Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) from Creighton University.

For the sixth time in the past seven months, the rural economy has posted signs of weakness. That’s according to the Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) from Creighton University.

Farmland and input price jumps in 2022 continue to be top-of-mind for producers as they look to 2023. Interest in carbon sequestration has also spiked. Here's a look at the latest Ag Barometer with Purdue's Jim Mintert.

Trouble started brewing for the rural economy earlier this summer. Now it’s been confirmed for five straight months.

Trouble continues in the rural economy. Rural bankers point to the issues causing uncertainty ahead.

Economists see interest-rate increases raising likelihood of recession to 44% in coming 12 months.

For the first time since September 2020, the rural economy is showing signs of weakness.

The latest round of agricultural credit condition surveys from the Federal Reserve banks show high farm real estate values are supporting farm finances. 

For 18 straight months, the rural economy has posted healthy and consistent growth, yet signs of weakness may be surfacing.

For 17 straight months, the rural economy has posted healthy and consistent growth. That’s according to the March Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) from Creighton University.

For March 2021, the Rural Mainstreet Index sits at 65.4. That is up from February’s 61.5.

For 15 straight months, the rural economy has posted healthy and consistent growth.

For 14 straight months, the rural economy has posted healthy and consistent growth.

This data confirms the obvious — there is plenty of income and cash in farm country and is being reflected in the record prices being paid for farmland.

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

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

It will take significant N bookings at higher prices or excess natural gas supplies to relight fires at fertilizer plants – and neither seems likely until summer 2022.  

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.

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

Economic stability and growth are returning to rural America.

The pandemic may be easing, but the job market remains complicated. 

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.

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

Arlan Suderman chief economist for INTL FCSTone told AgriTalk host Chip Flory President Donald Trump may not have time to work out the details left to secure a long-term deal with China.

Skilled labor is needed to plant and harvest crops, milk cows, manage livestock, build homes, build infrastructure and more throughout the U.S.

February 16, 2018. Deere & Co. raised its full-year sales forecast, and there’s reason to believe that good news will keep coming.