Search results for Farm Finance

I have a 150-acre farm and $250K in debt. How do I budget in such a volatile industry?

Dave, I have a 150-acre farm, and I recently began running my operation debt-free. The problem is that I have $250,000 in debt from bad financial decisions in the past. Plus, the v...

Many farmers utilize life insurance for farm financing

A financial advisor says farmers can often get financing for farm expenses without going to the bank. Mary Jo Irmen with FiscalBridge LLC tells Brownfield the key is in a properly...

AFBF survey reveals mounting financial strain across U.S. agriculture

A recent survey from the American Farm Bureau Federation indicates the majority of U.S. farmers are experiencing stagnant or declining financial conditions. AFBF president Zippy Du...

Farmers urged to talk to banks as ‘cashflow deficit’ looms

Farmers have been urged to look “honestly” at their current financial position and talk to lenders as a “cashflow deficit” is looming. According to the Irish Creamery Milk Supplier...

Many farmers carrying heavier debt load

The vice president of data analysis with Illinois Farm Business Farm Management (FBFM) says the average farmer’s debt to asset ratio is relatively stable. However, Brad Zwilling sa...

Tight cash flows leading to farm management changes

A farm management specialist with the University of Illinois says the current economy is restricting cash on hand for many row crop producers. In a recent FarmDoc webinar, Gary Sch...

North American farmers pinch pennies on farm machinery as profitless growing season approaches

FCS Financial Field Notes: Helping farmers manage high input costs at planting

Chad McCullough with FCS Financial says ag lenders can help producers stay on track by regularly reviewing expenses and adjusting financial plans as conditions change throughout th...

Safety net or entrepreneurial side hustles? Why more Canadian farmers are turning to off-farm income

A clear financial divide is widening across the Canadian agricultural landscape, and it’s forcing a portion of producers to look beyond the farm gate to keep their operations finan...

Farm bankruptcies hit a six-year high as ag economy continues to weaken

Farm bankruptcies hit a six-year high in April, and an ag attorney says it’s a sign of growing financial stress.  Austin Peiffer with Ag and Business Legal Strategies says the farm...

Farmers rely on strong lender relationships to navigate risk, Auburn study finds

Researchers at Auburn University are studying how lender relationships directly impact farm business decisions. Rural sociologist Kelli Russell tells Brownfield that middle-aged fa...

Woolf Farms Faces Rising Costs as New Growing Season Begins

SALEM, Ohio – Dale Woolf, owner of Woolf Farms, discussed the outlook for the upcoming growing season, highlighting both the diversity of the farm’s operations and the financial pr...

AFBF economist warns of continued strain on agriculture

An economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation says tight margins and ongoing economic challenges are straining farm finances. “This is going to be the third to fourth year...

What lessons can we learn from Monette Farms?

While the agricultural industry often equates growth with success, the financial challenges surrounding Monette Farms serve as a sobering reminder that scale is not a safeguard aga...

Farmers urged to keep close eye on cashflow over coming months

As farmers head into a busy period on farms across Ireland, Teagasc is encouraging them to keep a close eye on cashflow over the coming months. Klara McGriskin, farm management spe...

Ag economist says high input costs making it difficult for farmers to navigate long-term goals

An ag economist says the cost of production is making it difficult to plan for the future.  Michael Langemeier says the current ag economy is impacting how farmers think about long...

Investing in the farm this year? National Cultivate Week is the place to start

When it comes to financing a big purchase on the farm, knowing who to talk to matters as much as the numbers. That is what National Cultivate Week is all about. Running from April...

StatsCan reports steady farm income in 2025, but only on the surface

Total Canadian farm cash receipts breached the $100 billion mark for the first time in record history in 2025. However, surging expenses and soft crop markets kept a lid on overall...

Farmers Reports Net Income of $16.3M in Q1

CANFIELD, Ohio – Farmers National Banc Corp. on Wednesday reported first quarter net income of $16.3 million, including $4 million related to the acquisition of Middlefield Banc Co...

“Sitting out the season”: Some Minnesota farms halt production amid financial strain

The prospect of negative returns is forcing drastic decisions on a handful of Minnesota farms. Steve Zenk with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture tells Brownfield a small segm...

Livestock vs. Crops: Canadian Farmer Sentiment Index shows financial divide between the sectors

In 2026, farmers and ranchers have faced both expected and unexpected challenges and opportunities. Analyzing the April 2026 Canadian Farmer Sentiment Index results reveals a clear...

Monette gets extension of creditor protection and additional financing for seeding

The Court of King's Bench in Alberta has granted one of North America's largest private farming operations at least seven more weeks of creditor protection, as the large farm enter...

Purdue economist: Financial risk grows for farmers heading into 2026 season 

An ag economist at Purdue University says the conflict in the Middle East is contributing to increased financial strain. Michael Langemeier says operating expenses are running abou...

Many farmers focused on cutting costs, finding revenue

A west central Indiana farmer says another year of lower farm incomes has led to changes in his operation. Jason Brier, who grows corn and soybeans and does custom work in Warren a...