COMMON GROUND BLOG

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

Efficiencies on Farm, Ranch Key in Higher Rate Environment

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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Cattle

Jan 26, 2016 | The Business of Agriculture

Cattle Market Emerging from Uncharted Territory?

Despite recent volatility, seasoned cattle operator Case Gabel is optimistic about marketing prospects for those who keep a level head: “Opportunities for forward hedging are as good today as we’ve seen in several years.”

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Jan 20, 2016 | The Business of Agriculture

Changes in Cropland Values -- Mixed

The significant decline in farmland prices anticipated by some forecasters since the peak in commodity prices in 2013 has not fully developed, though the impact of lower profit margins is reflected in adjustments to the market for both cropland values and cash rental rates.

turkeys

Jan 18, 2016 | The Business of Agriculture

Round Two of Avian Influenza?

Producers still in recovery mode have beefed up biosecurity post-H5N1. It’s one more cost that has added to the economic impact of avian influenza.

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Jan 6, 2016 | The Business of Agriculture

The Perfect Storm

Our market recap sets the stage for a deeper look at the poultry, beef and pork industries over the next several weeks.

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Dec 30, 2015 | The Business of Agriculture

Balance Sheet Changes May Bail Out Cash Flow

The case study involving Larry Landholder examines how restructuring debt can improve working capital.

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Nov 23, 2015 | The Business of Agriculture

Join FCSAmerica’s Thanksgiving Day Tribute to Farmers, Ranchers

Share this preview of our Thanksgiving Day ad, along with your own tribute at #ThankAFarmer.

grain collage

Nov 9, 2015 | The Business of Agriculture

Third Quarter Commodity Review

The impact of tight margins, avian flu, lower cattle prices and more.

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Oct 22, 2015 | The Business of Agriculture

Using Ag Values to Connect with Consumers

When visitors click the “We Care Pledge” on pillenfamilyfarms.com, they are reading the same words that are recited at least a couple of times each week at the third-generation Nebraska swine operation.

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Sep 17, 2015 | The Business of Agriculture

Control Family Expenses to Protect Farm Profits

It’s not what you earn, it’s what you spend. For farm families whose living expenses crept up during the recent run of strong commodity prices, Dr. David Kohl’s words serve as a call to action.

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Sep 3, 2015 | The Business of Agriculture

Geopolitics, Food Trends to Create Market Opportunities for U.S. Ag

Experts in protein, consumer trends and geopolitics spoke at our recent 2015 Agribusiness Finance Executive Summit, offering thought-provoking forecasts on what the future holds for U.S. agriculture.

Dairy Cattle

Aug 13, 2015 | The Business of Agriculture

Signup is Open for the Dairy Margin Protection Program

More than half the nation’s dairy producers enrolled in the 2015 Dairy Margin Protection Program. Open enrollment for 2016 runs through Sept. 30, and we explain your options.

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Jul 28, 2015 | The Business of Agriculture

Side By Side Lesson: Bigger Isn’t Always Better

A lesson in getting better before getting bigger has kept Brenton and Justine Paxton focused on their goals and priorities.

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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.