Farm Management

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.

Nebraska Extension on Strengthening Nebraska's Agricultural Economy

February 3, 2017

According to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, one in four jobs in Nebraska is related to agriculture. This signifies the importance of agriculture to Nebraska’s overall economy.

Grain Marketing Workshops in Alliance and Sidney

January 23, 2017

Grain marketing workshops will be offered Jan. 31 in Alliance and Feb. 1 in Sidney to assist grain producers minimize losses during this time of low prices.

cattle grazing on drought damaged-pasture — Drought can severely reduce the carrying capacity of a pasture, as shown in this 2012 Nebraska photo.

Plan for Drought When Negotiating Your Pasture Lease

January 19, 2017

Do you rent pasture? What happens if drought develops this summer and lowers pasture production below expectations? Specifically, what does your pasture lease say about drought?

Register Now for Farm Finance and Ag Law Clinics in February

January 19, 2017

Openings are available for one-on-one, confidential farm finance and ag law consultations being conducted across the state each month. An experienced ag law attorney and ag financial counselor will be available to address farm and ranch issues related to financial planning, estate and transition planning, farm loan programs, debtor/creditor law, water rights, and other relevant matters.

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