COMMON GROUND BLOG

Find trends and outlooks, education and more on financing rural America from Farm Credit Services of America.

Apr 22, 2024 | The Business of Agriculture

Economic data increasingly points to interest rates staying higher longer. Financial efficiency will be critical in the year ahead, and we step you through three ratios that will help you focus on the right areas of your farm or ranch.

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Aug 3, 2016 | The Business of Agriculture

Supporting Young and Beginning Producers with Education

We are proud to be part of a Farm Credit System that is committed to growing the next generation of producers.

Jul 20, 2016 | The Business of Agriculture

Hot Commodity: Career Opportunities in Agriculture

Despite the strong job opportunities in agriculture and food-related occupations, there's a consistent shortage of workers with the skills and education to meet market needs.

Jul 18, 2016 | The Business of Agriculture

Farmland Values Continue Steady but Gradual Decline

Unlike last year, when a strong livestock market led to increased demand for pastureland, values on both pasture and cropland are generally down in 2016.

Jun 30, 2016 | The Business of Agriculture

Seasonal Downturn on Record Hog Inventory

Solid risk management strategies will be key to navigating volatility in the pork markets.

May 31, 2016 | The Business of Agriculture

Cattle Transition Part Two: Cow/Calf Caution

As the industry adjusts to lower cattle prices, it is more important than ever to know your cost of production and make decisions that boost efficiency.

May 24, 2016 | The Business of Agriculture

Transition Time for the Cattle Business: Part 1, Feedlots

Cattlemen are experiencing both long- and short-term effects of the transition to more beef production.

May 4, 2016 | The Business of Agriculture

Every Voice Matters: How to Advocate for Ag

Numbers matter -- and the more voices in agriculture that are heard by lawmakers, the more effective the industry will be in advocating for its future.

Apr 21, 2016 | The Business of Agriculture

Making Tough Choices for Chance to Farm

“I carry my binder of farm finances everywhere and can lose sleep thinking about all the what-if scenarios with my cash flow and balance sheet,” Maggie Holub says.

Apr 20, 2016 | The Business of Agriculture

Cash-flow Budgeting: About Amount and Timing

Is your cash-flow budget missing some often overlooked line items?

Mar 8, 2016 | The Business of Agriculture

Stress Test to Manage Margin Risk in Your Dairy

Do you know at what point your dairy operation would run out of its capacity to borrow? Here’s a how-to on stress testing your operation.

Mar 3, 2016 | The Business of Agriculture

Annie’s Project: Empowering Women in Ag

Annie’s Project is a six-week, 18-hour educational program aimed at strengthening women’s roles in modern farm enterprise. Look for classes near you.

Feb 11, 2016 | The Business of Agriculture

Riding Out the Hog Cycle

“You can’t go broke making a profit,” says producer Bruce Livingston. “If the profit is there, options strategies are available to protect the downside but allow upside potential.”

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FCSAmerica serves farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and rural residents in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. For inquiries outside this geography, use the Farm Credit Association Locator  to contact your local office.