March 18, 2011

On this week's Market Journal Bruce Johnson, UNL professor of agricultural economics, talks with program host Doug Jose about recent increases in ag land values.  Johnson annually conducts a statewide survey of prices paid for ag land and reports the results by district and state.  In the last 12 months agricultural land values in Nebraska rose an average of 22%, strengthening the economic base of rural Nebraska.  Johnson says prices are reaching a plateau and while there could be some retrenchment, he doesn't expect a sudden price drop.

Also on this week's show:

• Cattle Markets Remain Strong — Mike Briggs, Seward feedlot owner, says the cattle market fundamentals indicate that the strong prices should continue and even increase with the start of the grilling season.
   
• New Farm Bill on Back Burner — Brad Lubben, Extension public policy specialist, says the policy focus is currently on regulatory issues rather than the next farm bill.
   
• Military Helps in Global Agriculture — Shelly Herrod, LTC, LG, Nebraska Army National Guard, talks about how our folks in uniform are helping develop agriculture in Afghanistan.
  
  
• Spring is Near — Al Dutcher, Extension state climatologist, says weather will be relatively mild in Nebraska this week with temperatures in the 50s to 60s.

Market Journal Broadcast Times

Market Journal -- television for agricultural business decisions -- is funded, in part, by the Nebraska Soybean Board.

View this week's program, as well as previous programs, online at marketjournal.unl.edu and watch for future broadcasts on these networks.

• NET1 – Saturday, 7 a.m. CT
• NET2 – Sunday, 9 a.m. CT
• Dish Network, Channel 9411

Friday, 12:30 p.m.
Sunday, 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday, 8:30 a.m.