Tractor and cattle in snowy field with farmer
Careful financial management is vital for farmers and ranchers as they approach the end of the year — be sure to maintain accurate financial records, prepare for discussions with lenders, and align loan structures with operational needs.

Avoid Year-End Operating Loan Pitfalls

November 22, 2024
By planning ahead and reviewing cash flows, producers can avoid complications and position themselves for success in the upcoming year. Review this article for strategies to ensure smooth loan renewals for your business.

Read more

Woman holds young boy on farm
Estate planning with life insurance can provide a fair inheritance for all heirs, keeping keep farm succession plans smooth and balanced for all family members.

Ideas for Estate and Transition Planning: Life Insurance Inheritance Equalization

October 24, 2024
Learn how farmers can use life insurance to divide assets between "on-farm" and "off-farm" heirs, ensuring a fair distribution of assets upon passing of the insured.

Read more

Ag Smart Money Week banner

Ag Smart Money Week: Free Events Nov. 4-8

October 24, 2024
Unlock financial success at Ag Smart Money Week — join free in-person and virtual sessions tailored for farmers and ranchers to improve financial management, reduce production costs, and handle risks with confidence.

Read more

Finance clinic banner
Though the farm finance and ag law clinics are offered monthly at sites across Nebraska, remote sessions are another option — call the number below to arrange a one-on-one meeting via phone or virtual platform.

Free Farm and Ag Law Clinics Set for October, November

October 24, 2024
Offered since 1989, these clinics offer guidance to farmers and ranchers on a wide variety of issues pertaining to ag business ownership. Sessions are confidential and conducted in-person, with four dates in October and November.

Read more

Two men look at paperwork near field
Always consult legal and financial professionals for structuring agreements for your estate.

Ideas for Estate and Transition Planning: Life Insurance Backed Buy-Sell Agreement

October 11, 2024
This article discusses how farm and ranch families can use a life insurance policy to ensure liquidity for on-farm heirs who must buy out siblings' shares upon a parent's death.

Read more

Barn
Calculating building costs can provide a starting point or guide to begin negotiations — it is also essential to understand what a user or the renter is willing to pay.

Determining a Fair Rent for Farm Buildings

September 27, 2024
Insights on calculating fair rent for farm buildings by evaluating both fixed and variable costs, such as depreciation, property taxes, insurance, and repair expenses, as well as building size, condition, location and risk.

Read more

Woman works on taxes at desk
Sole proprietor farming businesses use IRS Schedule F, Profit or Loss from Farming to report income and expenses of the farming business. Schedule F can be used by partnerships, corporations, trusts and estates to report farming activities.

Introduction to Schedule F Workshop Scheduled in Mullen

September 26, 2024
Extension professionals will review basic tax information on filing a Schedule F, used by farmers and ranchers to report income and expenses of the business.

Read more

Family members stand together near vehicle
Life insurance can be a key tool for farm and ranch businesses to provide tax-free death benefits at the death of the insured if the policy is structured correctly. (CAP photo)

Ideas for Estate and Transition Planning: Life Insurance for Debt Coverage

September 26, 2024
This article highlights the importance of life insurance for farmers and ranchers in estate planning to cover debt, ensuring liabilities are paid off upon death.

Read more