Cornhusker Economics

Do We Need More Futures Contracts in Commodity Markets? November 28, 2018

In light of the current global trade disputes, the CME Group, the world’s largest futures exchange, is reported to be considering launching a futures contract based on Brazilian soybeans. What could that mean for the market?

Chart of corn prices and safety net program levels

Cornhusker Economics on Farm Programs, Payments and Prospects October 24, 2018

An analysis of farm program payment rates with information on current programs and the outlook for future support.

Cornhusker Economics: Using Partial Budgets to Examine Incremental Ag Business Changes June 8, 2018

When considering business changes for your farm or ranch, focusing on a partial budget can help evaluate the financial effect of incremental changes without accounting for the entire farm budget. The story offers key points to consider and examples of how to apply them to your farm business.

Cornhusker Economics Q&A on Ethanol Price Fight and Nebraska Ag April 11, 2018

The petroleum industry has launched a fierce political fight against the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), the regulations that require renewable fuels such as ethanol to be blended into the motor fuel supply. The industry complains that meeting those requirements has become too expensive.

Farm Program Payments and Projections for Nebraska October 27, 2017

This week's Cornhusker Economics analyzes farm program payment rates, providing details on the current payments as well as the outlook for future support. As commodity prices have declined from pre-2014 levels, ARC and PLC have become important components of the farm income safety net. Early estimates indicate, however, that this could change next year.

Example of a randomized experiment design

Multi-State Research Looks at Means for Optimizing Inputs to Enhance Profits April 21, 2017

Six researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln are working on the USDA-NIFA-funded Data Intensive Farm Management (DIFM) project. DIFM is based at the University of Illinois, and also involves the Universities of Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, and Illinois State. The overarching goal of the project is to collect production data after conducting large-scale, on-farm randomized input use field trials, and then using the information to inform growers of optimal input use practices to enhance their profits.

Stabilizing Your Farm's Financial Condition and Profitability February 22, 2017

Nationwide farm net income has fallen for the last three years and appears to be on trend to keep falling. Interest rates are likely to increase, as the economy seems to be warming up, resulting in increased borrowing costs and tighter credit conditions. Cash rents fell by nearly 11% on average-quality farmland in 2016 and are on a trend to continue in the coming year.

Chart of exports of dried distillers grains by country

A Short Introduction to the Distillers’ Dried Grains Export Market February 15, 2017

Vanessa DeOliveira, Masters student, Department of Agricultural Economics
Kate Brooks, assistant professor, Department of Agricultural Economics
Lia Nogueira, assistant professor, Department of Agricultural Economics