Learning Center

Explore 2023 articles in our Learning Center.

Country Living
Behind the Deeds: Unraveling the Complexity of Title Work
Gain an understanding of the title insurance process and the differences between lender and owner policies and the benefits to real estate buyers.

Listen to Podcast
Ag Finances
Three Financial Metrics to Monitor in 2024
With the end of the year in mind, watch as we discuss three financial metrics that are especially relevant headed into 2024.

Watch Video
Country Living
Beyond the Barn: Acreage Adventures in Real Estate
Learn about the dynamic world of equestrian real estate and learn about the changing landscape of acreages, the allure of 'barndominiums,' and how innovative approaches can reshape the way rural properties are presented.

Listen to Podcast
Land Values
Farmland Prices Rebound to Near Highs
The real estate market for farmland rebounded in the third quarter of 2023 following several months of stabilizing prices.

Read Article
Ag Finances
Getting a Plan to Deploy Your Profits Strategically
Watch as we discuss how to utilize and deploy profits strategically.

Watch Video
Economic Updates
Better-Than-Expected Yields: November WASDE
Learn more about the numbers and what they could mean to 2024 planning.

Read Article
Ag Finances
Scenario Planning
Watch as we discuss how to develop useful scenarios, consider how your strategies might change and build a better business strategy.

Watch Video
Ag Finances
Strategic Planning
Watch as we discuss how to shift your mindset into long-term strategic planning and the benefits of doing so.

Watch Video
Economic Updates
All Eyes on Corn and Soybean Yields
Learn the market signals to watch as we head into harvest and begin thinking about 2024.

Read Article
Ag Finances
Evaluating Cash Rental Rates
Watch as we discuss what's driving cash rental rates up and management strategies to implement going into 2024.

Watch Video
Economic Updates
A Somewhat “As Expected” WASDE: What the August Report Means for Markets, Producers
Markets expected USDA to trim its projected 2023 yields for corn and soybeans. The surprise is in the August WASDE. The cuts were a bit deeper than anticipated.

Read Article
Country Living
Demystifying Home Loan Appraisals
Gain a deeper understanding of how factors such as location, acreage and utilities influence the appraisal process for rural properties.

Listen to Podcast
Ag Finances
Building and Improving Your Bench of Trusted Advisors
Watch as we discuss the importance of peers and advisors that improve your thinking and discuss strategies for getting started.

Watch Video
Ag Finances
Challenges of Today Present Opportunities For Tomorrow
Advice to young and beginning producers on understanding risks – and which ones to take – in order to grow an operation.

Read Article
Land Values
Farmland Values Show Signs of Stabilizing
Cropland values in the four states served by FCSAmerica gained ground in the first half of 2023, but at a slower pace than in recent years. Areas of the market appear to be stabilizing.

Read Article
Economic Updates
A Bearish WASDE: What the July Report Means for Markets, Producers
While USDA was expected to lower its yield estimate for 2023 corn, the move is still significant. Our economist, Matt Erickson, looks at the July WASDE means for markets and producers.

Read Article
Ag Finances
Financing the Next Generation Transitioning Assets
Watch as we unpack the two main drivers of a farm business – operations and assets – and discuss asset transition strategies.

Watch Video
Risk Management
A Different Way to Manage Livestock Risk
Discover how livestock producers can manage risk with insurance options like Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) and Livestock Gross Margin (LGM).

Read Article
Economic Updates
Interest Rate Update: To Raise or Not To Raise
Our economist, Matt Erickson, looks at the state of the economy and how it could shape the Fed’s action on interest rates in coming months.

Read Article
Economic Updates
Is the Agriculture Sector Charged for Transportation Change?
Transportation is a vital piece of the agricultural supply chain, and any changes to the transportation fleet and infrastructure will have an impact on farmers and the food supply chain.

Read Article
Economic Updates
U.S. Corn Market: Any Upside?
Our economist, Matt Erickson, dives into the latest corn market data and weather forecasts to help you plan for your 2023/24 marketing year.

Read Article
Ag Finances
Building a Farm Business Model
Watch as we discuss a simple framework for thinking about your farm’s business model and how to get started.

Watch Video
Economic Updates
Record U.S. Crops Lower Prices: What USDA Forecast Means for Ag
Read more about the global supply and demand and U.S. commodity prices for new crop in marketing year 2023/24.

Read Article
Economic Updates
Interest Rate Pause? Not Necessarily.
Our economist, Matt Erickson, looks at the current state of interest rates, diesel prices, grain stocks and more.

Read Article
Risk Management
Spring 2023 Outlook
Catch up on global stocks, U.S. planting intentions and the latest issues impacting the ag marketing outlook.

Watch Video
Economic Updates
Markets Upended – Again. Where Are Interest Rates Headed?
Our economist, Matt Erickson, dives into the possible paths ahead to help agricultural producers better prepare for the coming year.

Read Article
Ag Finances
Earned Versus Unearned Equity Changes
Watch as we discuss earned equity – what it is, why it’s important, how to calculate it and how to grow it over time.

Watch Video
Community Involvement
Engaging Students in Ranching & Rangeland Management
4-H and FFA students in northeastern Wyoming are gaining hands-on learning experience thanks to a ranching and rangeland management monitoring workshop created by Crook County Extension.

Read Article
Community Involvement
Nurturing the Growth of Agricultural Educators
Agricultural educators play a critical role in preparing the next generation in agriculture, however the journey to becoming an educator often requires navigating financial hurdles.

Read Article
Community Involvement
Cultivating the Next Generation in Agriculture
The Latino Center Siembra Raíces (Growing Roots) internship program provides high school and college students paid internship experiences in the agriculture industry.

Read Article
Economic Updates
Outlooks for Commodities: Market Summaries in 5 Minutes
Our economist, Matt Erickson, looks at how supply and demand is shaping grain and protein markets.

Read Article
Economic Updates
The Macro Economy and Key Considerations for 2023
Watch as we review current economic signals and their potential implication to your operation.

Watch Video
Land Values
2023 Farmland Values
Discover the latest from our January report on benchmark farmland values and the forces shaping the market.

Watch Video
Land Values
Farmland Values Up, Pace of Increase Slows
Benchmark farmland values continued to tick up in the last half of 2022, supported by high commodity prices and demand from buyers with strong liquidity.

Read Article
Ag Finances
Strategies for Protecting Working Capital
Discover four strategies to preserve working capital.

Read Article