For decades, the “base acre” has been the fundamental unit of the American farm safety net. It represents a farm’s historical production footprint, dictating how much support a producer receives when market prices drop or yields fail. However, for years, many farmers felt boxed in by outdated acreage records and payment caps that simply didn’t… Read more »

Financials That Work for You While on the speaking circuit this year, I overheard a conversation between two producers about their financial statements. One suggested that financials had to be organized and developed to please the banker. The other producer directed a question at him: Do you use the financials to manage your business? The… Read more »

Beyond the Harvest: Preparing for 2026 The days are getting shorter and many are wrapping up harvest and preparing for the unpredictable elements of old man winter in the home stretch of 2025. Top of mind for many who are in the planning stages is what lies ahead for 2026. Will the economic uncertainty persist?… Read more »

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act increased the statutory reference price and made some enhanced changes to the effective reference price (EFR). The EFR is used to calculate payments for Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and also affects the benchmark price used in the Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) calculations. The price used to calculate the benchmark… Read more »

Dr. Kohl’s Ag Planning Playbook The economic environment is chaotic, and volatility in extremes shows no signs of abating. Currently the agricultural economy has a split personality that causes human emotions to fluctuate wildly. The grain and row crop sectors are in an extended downturn, experiencing suppressed prices, inflated costs and stubbornly elevated interest rates.… Read more »

President Trump’s trade policies, characterized by the use of tariffs to protect domestic industries and secure more favorable trade deals, have once again placed American farmers in a similar position to President Trump’s first term. While the stated goal is to create a more level playing field and ultimately benefit American producers, the immediate fallout… Read more »

Understanding your financial landscape is crucial; that’s where our easy-to-use personal financial statement worksheet comes into play. Designed specifically for farmers, this tool simplifies the process, allowing you to seamlessly compile and present your financial data. Download Checklist

Applying for an Ag loan can be a pivotal step in growing your farming operations. However, the process may feel overwhelming without the right preparation. One of the most critical aspects of ensuring a smooth application is gathering and organizing your essential documents. This checklist will guide you through the key requirements to streamline your… Read more »

Modern dairy farming stands at a crossroads, with technology offering unprecedented opportunities for efficiency, animal welfare, and profitability. Among these advancements, dairy robotics, particularly robotic milking systems (RMS), are reshaping the industry’s landscape. The promise of increased productivity, reduced labor dependency, and enhanced herd management is compelling, driving many producers to consider this significant investment.… Read more »