While it’s no secret that the main component of farm profitability involves producing a good crop with the greatest efficiency and lowest cost of production, it’s also true that marketing that crop plays a significant role in profitability as well. While farmers and landowners may differ in their individual marketing style, it’s important that they […]
Farmers and landowners generally focus on crop production, and land management often falls to finding ways to improve the land in order to increase yields and profit margins. Fortunately, many land improvements that build up natural wildlife habitats are also found to be beneficial for improved crop production as well. Creating places for native wildlife […]
The time has finally arrived; although no farmer ever officially “retires,” you have decided that, for financial and tax considerations, or perhaps for the benefit of the next generation, the farm will need to be sold. Perhaps you are not actively farming your land, and have decided to let it go. Or, perhaps you’re desirous […]
It’s January, and as many are setting their personal goals for 2015, farmers and agriculture economists are also keenly interested in what the new year will bring for ag producers. With 2014’s lower commodity prices in mind, farmers are paying close attention to rumors of rising interest rates in 2015. According to Fortune magazine, the […]
It’s no secret that farmland values have boomed over the last decade. Many farmers and outside investors have bought and continue to buy up land to pad their investment portfolios. Despite the decreasing commodity values of the last year, many economists continue to be optimistic about buying land as a long-term investment. Commodities investor Jim […]
A successful farm used to be judged by good yields, well-maintained fields and machinery, and timely planting and harvesting. With the burgeoning land and commodity values that characterized the first decade of the 21st century, coupled with advances in risk management and an often volatile grain market, it is clear that the skills necessary for […]
One of the questions we get the most involves estate planning—and for good reason. Estate planning, or the lack there-of, is one of the top issues that many farmers and landowners face. It should go without saying that every farm operation should have a plan in place, because the problems associated with poor planning can […]
As harvest 2014 comes to a close, farmers are already thinking ahead to next year’s crop production. With tumbling grain prices, many farmers are anticipating tighter profit margins in the near future, and are scrutinizing their input costs more carefully as a result. With many analysts expecting higher input costs, farmers may have their work […]
One of the most overlooked aspects of farming deals with leasing agreements. With over half of the agriculture land in Nebraska rented, it’s important for landowners and farmers who lease land to recognize the importance of a well-written lease agreement. Where a handshake was enough in many cases in the past, the nature of farming […]
With volatile grain markets and land values, and with increasing amounts of landowners acquiring land as part of an inheritance, or solely as an investment with very little agriculture experience, many are hiring professional land managers to help them run their farming operations. Even farmers with experience and close ties to the land often turn […]
