Farm Management

Farmers Have One Month to Decide Whether to Stay in Syngenta Litigation

March 3, 2017

Dave Aiken, Nebraska Extension water and agricultural law specialist, recommends the following article. Aiken wrote previously about this litigation in Federal Court Certifies Nine Producer Classes in Syngenta Litigation.

Projected Corn and Soybean Prices for 2017 Crop Insurance

March 3, 2017

Corn and soybean projected prices for the 2017 crop insurance year were recently released by the Risk Management Agency (RMA). The projected price for corn is $3.96 while the price for soybean is $10.19.

Cornhusker Economics. Links to full article.

Q&A on the IRS Portability Rule

March 1, 2017

A 2013 tax law change–the portability rule–can simplify farm and ranch estate planning. Farm and ranch families still need to do estate planning to develop and implement farm or ranch business transition plans so that the farm or ranch can continue to be successfully operated by the next generation. This Q&A addresses a number of questions.

Considering Ag Refinancing Options

February 28, 2017

In today's tight agricultural economy, a lender may require you to provide additional loan collateral—including land—as a condition for receiving continued operating credit. For example, if your carryover operating debt is $160,000, the lender might suggest moving the loan onto some land, machinery, or other property that is clear of debt.

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.

Photo of open laptop computer and farm records to input

Giving Your Farm a Financial Tune-Up

February 21, 2017

It's common for producers to take their tractors and combines into the shop on an annual basis for a tune-up, but it seems less common for them to take time for a financial tune-up. While the equipment is worth a lot of money, the financial health of your business could be worth even more. This story outlines four steps to help you take stock of your farm or ranch finances and use them for informed decision making.

Losing Your Operating Credit and Loan Subordination

February 16, 2017

When an ag lender denies an operating loan for the next year and new funding sources are sought, a subordination agreement may be helpful in securing new credit while still laying out a payment plan for existing debt. Here’s what to consider.

tractor in a field — Given current low crop prices and thin operating margins, parents may be asked to guarantee payment of a child's debt when the younger producer is having difficulty repaying a loan. Parents may want to seek an objective, third-party assessment counsel when evaluating their potential risk.

Things To Consider Before Co-Signing A Loan

February 9, 2017

Parents co-signing loans for their children is common in agriculture. Traditionally, it has happened when a younger producer needs a loan for major purchases such as land, livestock, or farm equipment. Given current low crop prices and thin operating margins, parents also may be asked to guarantee payment of a child's debt when the younger producer is having difficulty repaying a loan. While no one wants to see a financial loss for their children, parents need to carefully consider the potential for losing a significant amount of their savings before signing on the bottom line.

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