Balance sheets for the year ahead show limited profit potential in many instances. An added concern for many producers are inflation and interest rates. What should we expect for the year ahead and how can we best position ourselves for the present and future goals we have in mind?

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Many young farmers have dreams of building a large and profitable farming enterprise, but what’s the best way to do it? I visit with the Star Farmer of America about how he built his business, what he learned and the advice he would share with others. 

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Your CI Score could be worth over $1 per bushel of corn. But that leaves many of us asking…what is a CI score? It’s a trend to keep an eye on because those scores may soon be tied to the crops we grow and it could be worth a significant amount of money.

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Benjamin Franklin said nothing is certain is except death and taxes. We talk about both subjects with Paul Neiffer as we look at what is the best tax strategy in 2024 and beyond and how to reduce some of the tax implications when we do pass away.

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Tighter crop margins lead us to believe the machinery market is beginning to weaken. Is that the case? Machinery Pete discusses what he sees across the industry. We take a look at market sectors that are strong and others that show weakness, plus we discuss things to keep in mind if you are buying or selling tractors and equipment. 

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The cliché says to not put all your eggs in one basket. This past Top Producer winner is very successful in farming, but they have also diversified into several baskets, so-to-speak, and that has allowed them to develop income streams in a variety of markets in rural and small town America and help those very communities along the way.

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USDA’s prospective plantings report showed a decline in the number of acres intended to be in corn production this year, but perhaps the biggest surprise is that there appears to be six and a half million acres of crop ground that is unaccounted for. Chip Flory and I discuss the year ahead, including tighter margins, marketing strategies and more. 

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Buying, selling, trading and the like are a part of life and a part of business. How do you become a better negotiator and work to help both parties in the process? We take a look at some of the keys from an expert in the field. 

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As we prepare to plant this year’s crop, margins are tight and it may be difficult to pencil a profit this year and perhaps for some time. Where should you cut costs and where should you invest in inputs? Ken Ferrie helps us evaluate those decisions, plus we discuss unseasonably warm weather in most parts of farm country and keys to keep in mind for those considering earlier than normal planting.    

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The title alone, “Organic versus Conventional” implies there is a debate. Perhaps one is better than the other? Maybe consumers desire one and despise the other? Is that really the case for farmers or consumers? We have an enlightening conversation about where farming and food production is headed and how all of us can stay on the innovative and profitable side of change.

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About three years ago we visited with former Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman about a new book he had just written. Many of his thoughts then still ring true today. I thought it would be fun to look back to hear him talk about life, agriculture, politics and more.

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