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A survey indicating that farmland values are expected to continue increasing is more good news for landowners but could also signal caution for buyers, an agricultural economist says. ...More

Ohio and eastern Indiana could face a significant loss in corn yield in 2012 due to weather patterns. That’s according to The Climate Corporation, which presented its 2012 report on La Niña and its effect on the spring planting period at Commodity Classic in Nashville, Tenn. last week. ...More

One way of surviving a winter night is to find an enjoyable movie or television show to watch. When you combine this pleasure with your farming livelihood, you can find some interesting (and not always accurate) moments. Here is our list of memorable depictions of American farmers and farming.   1 - Wizard of Oz 1939...More

A strong view has emerged this past year from many farm groups that crop insurance should play a pivotal role in the 2012 Farm Bill and beyond. Meanwhile, some have questioned the near-consensus support for crop insurance. This article addresses why crop insurance has taken on a primary position among farm support programs and examines alternative paths that crop insurance could take in the future, including some ways it could assume an even larger role.  ...More

The Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) is hosting the 23rd annual Organic Farming Conference in Lacrosse, Wis. from Feb. 23 through Feb. 25. The conference features more than 65 workshops, 160 exhibitors, keynote speakers, food and entertainment. About 3,000 farmers and agriculture professionals will attend the event. Featured keynote speakers are Margaret Krome, policy program director of the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, and Curt Ellis, Heinz Award-winning filmmaker....More

The Risk Management Agency (RMA) undertook a study of corn and soybean premiums and found that insurance premiums were too high relative to insurance payments (see here). As a result, RMA adjusted corn and soybean premiums. In addition, RMA implemented other adjustments that changed premiums, with one of those adjustments relating to enterprise units. In this article, 2011 Revenue Protection (RP) farmer-paid premium are compared to 2012 premium for corn and soybean policies in Illinois....More

Average farm income for Illinois grain farmers will exceed $200,000 for 2011, according to University of Illinois economist Gary Schnitkey. This high average is due to high corn and soybean prices. While 2012 looks good for farm income, grain prices are expected to be lower....More

Continued record-breaking sales — including two in Iowa this fall that topped $16,000/acre — have heads shaking, tongues wagging and Federal Reserve officials warning of a price bubble ahead. That warning has ag economists, farm lenders and land brokers on the defensive as they explain the economics supporting today’s hot market and the risks that lie ahead....More

Gain advice from the experts who discuss Section 179 deductions and Bonus Depreciation tax rules in webinar to help farmers with year-end tax planning....More