Looking forward and back:

Top ag tech predictions for 2018 and top tips from 2017 The end of the year is a time to look back at what was learned last year and to look ahead to what’s next. What changes did you make this year that saved you time and money? What opportunities are you exploring for next…

FARMERS FEEL AG ECONOMY DETERIORATING

CURRENT ECONOMIC SENTIMENT BRIGHTER THAN FUTURE. U.S. farmers see the current state of the ag economy less of a concern than in the future. In its latest survey results Wednesday, for November, the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer shows that producers expressed lower sentiment toward the agricultural economy in November on the heels of fall harvest,…

5 Tips For Running a Family Business

For some business owners, the Thanksgiving table won’t look much different than a board meeting. Running a business with your family can be deeply rewarding – but it can also mean unique challenges for operation management. Whether it’s a brand new venture or a company that’s been in the family for decades, every family-run business…

October Leads Producers To Optimism

The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer landed at 135 in October, up three points from September. It represented the third-highest reading since data collection began two years ago. The improvement was driven by the Index of Future Expectations, which increased from 130 in September to 137 in October. The Index of Future Expectations is one of…

Better Decisions Without The Wait – How To Use In-Season Data For Crops

6 steps to use in-season data and improve your bottom line: better decisions without the wait.  As a modern farmer, you know how important it is to analyze your long-term field and crop trends. But don’t have to wait to accumulate years of data to make better decisions for your business. With real-time data, you…

Future Expectations Turn Lower

The Purdue/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer September reading of 132 was unchanged compared to August. The monthly measure of agricultural producer sentiment – which is based on a monthly survey of 400 U.S. producers of corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, beef cattle, dairy cattle, and hogs – has ranged between 130 and 139 over the last…

DROP IN COMMODITY PRICES DRIVES PRODUCER SENTIMENT LOWER

An ag economist says a decline in commodity prices is the driver in the downward shift in producer sentiment in August. David Widmar says the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer, a monthly survey of 400 U.S. farmers, dropped seven points to 132. A rating below 100 is negative, while a rating above 100 indicates…

What Small Businesses Need To Know About Cyber-Security

These days, you can’t protect your business with just a lock on the door. As your important information and assets are increasingly stored and used online, every business owner needs to have a plan for cyber security. To help you make sure your business is protected, we’ve identified a few key kinds of attacks to…

Are Ag Producers Financially Stronger?

U.S. ag producers feel financially stronger compared to 2016 Shared from: World Grain written: by Susan Reidy U.S. agricultural producers’ feel their operations’ financial positions are improved compared to a year ago, which has helped the Ag Economy Barometer hold steady for the past three months and remain well above levels recorded prior to November 2016….

Barometer Reading Shows Long-Term Optimism for Farmland Values

By Ashley Davenport Farm Journal Broadcast Multimedia Editor Video Shows Positive For Farmland Values Farmers seem optimistic that farmland values will improve, but it may take a while to get there, according to the latest monthly ag barometer from Purdue University and the CME Group. Of the 400 agricultural producers who were surveyed in May,…