Nebraska FARMcast - Farm and Ranch Management

What happens when there isn't a family heir to take over the operation? In a new article that's the first in a series of publications aimed at helping producers navigate succession planning without a family successor, Extension Educator Jessica Groskopf discusses the emotional side of this transition — particularly the ambiguous grief that can come when a family legacy doesn't continue as expected. Article: https://cap.unl.edu/news/navigating-farm-succession-without-family-heir-embracing-change-and-coping-loss/

Glennis McClure, Extension Educator and Farm and Ranch Management Analyst with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's Center for Agricultural Profitability discusses the newly released “2025 Custom Service Rates for Livestock Production in Nebraska.” This report, published by the Center for Agricultural Profitability, provides insight into what livestock producers and custom operators are charging—and paying—for a wide range of services across the state. McClure discusses what's in the report, how it's compiled, and best practices for using the custom rate data when paying for custom services related to livestock.Find the report at https://cap.unl.edu/customrates.

The beef industry is facing a mix of optimism and uncertainty — with strong prices giving way to questions about supply, demand, regulation, and long-term sustainability. But as the industry navigates these issues, a group of students at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is stepping up to study them closely. On this episode, we're joined by Professors Brad Lubben and Elliott Dennis, both from the Department of Agricultural Economics here at Nebraska, to talk about the latest Policy Report column in Nebraska Farmer magazine, which not only outlines key challenges in the beef sector but also highlights the work of the Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars — a unique program developing the next generation of policy-minded leaders in agriculture.Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/beef-scholars-program-addresses-most-important-issues-producers/

The price difference between steers and heifers can be a key indicator of herd expansion or contraction and recent trends indicate that we may be at a turning point. TaraLee Hudson, a graduate researcher in the Department of Agricultural Economics here at Nebraska, and Dr. Elliott Dennis, an associate professor in the Ag Econ department, have published a new article analyzing the factors driving the price difference between steers and heifers. They discuss steer-heifer price difference and insights into herd expansion. Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/steer-heifer-price-difference-implications-herd-expansion

Record-high cattle prices in 2025 have created unique opportunities and challenges for producers looking to maximize their profits. One key factor in cattle marketing is the price slide — when lighter-weight calves tend to command a higher price per pound than heavier calves. Understanding how a price slide works, and how to leverage it, can make a big difference in profitability.This concept is covered in a new article by TaraLee Hudson, a Graduate Research Assistant in the Department of Agricultural Economics here at Nebraska, and Dr. Elliott Dennis, an Associate Professor in the department, to break down what the price slide means, how it's shaping cattle markets in 2024, and how producers can use it to make informed marketing decisions.Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/leveraging-price-slide-marketing-opportunity-amid-record-high-prices/

Dr. Cory Walters, associate professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at UNL, joins to discuss a unique and potentially valuable tool for farm risk management —micro-captive insurance. This concept allows farm operations to manage risk and insurance costs in a more customized way while also presenting financial opportunities. But, as with any financial tool, micro-captives come with complexities, regulations, and risks that must be fully understood before implementation. More: https://cap.unl.edu/news/strategically-insuring-your-farm-rise-micro-captive-insurance/

Brad Lubben, extension ag policy specialist with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joins to discuss his latest Policy Report column for Nebraska Farmer magazine, which highlights the Nebraska Rural Poll. This long-running survey from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers a unique look into the thoughts and concerns of rural Nebraskans on issues like community well-being, housing, the economy, trade, and more. He discusses the poll's significance, its history, and what sets it apart as a valuable resource for policymakers and communities across the state. Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/what-do-rural-nebraskans-care-about/ Nebraska Rural Poll: https://ruralpoll.unl.edu

Transitioning a farm from one generation to the next isn't just about passing down land and equipment—it's about balancing experience with innovation, tradition with change, and family relationships with business decisions. Generational differences in farm management can lead to friction, but they also present opportunities for growth when handled with mutual respect and collaboration. Anastasia Meyer, an agricultural economist with the Center for Agricultural Profitability, joins this episode to discuss her new article exploring the challenges and opportunities that arise when younger farmers introduce new ideas while older generations hold onto time-tested practices. She covers how farm families can navigate these transitions smoothly, preserve family harmony, and ensure long-term success. Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/balancing-old-wisdom-new-ideas-farm/

On this episode of Nebraska FARMcast, we're joined by Randy Saner, Nebraska Extension Livestock Systems Educator and Program Leader, to discuss strategies for managing bull costs and maximizing herd profitability. With rising cattle prices, producers face tough decisions about how much to invest in their bulls and how those choices affect their bottom line. Randy's recent article breaks down the financial impact of bull prices, cost-saving strategies, and tools producers can use to make informed decisions.Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/understanding-cost-bulls-and-how-maximize-your-herds-profitability/

2025 has been designated the “International Year of Cooperatives” by the United Nations, recognizing the vital role that cooperatives play in building stronger economies and communities around the world. Here in Nebraska, cooperatives have long been a cornerstone of rural development, supporting local businesses, agriculture, and essential services. The Nebraska Cooperative Development Center has been at the forefront of fostering cooperative businesses across the state for more than two decades. On this episode, we're joined by Cindy Houlden, Cooperative Development Specialist with NCDC, to talk about the significance of the International Year of Cooperatives, how Nebraska's cooperative movement fits into this global recognition, and what opportunities exist for communities and businesses looking to explore cooperative models.Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/2025-year-cooperatives-building-better-nebraska-and-beyond-houlden-250218/

Brad Lubben, policy specialist with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joins to discuss his latest Policy Report column for Nebraska Farmer. As President Trump begins his new term, his administration has introduced a new initiative—the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE—which aims to reshape and reduce the size of the federal government. While DOGE itself isn't an official agency, it has been a key part of the administration's messaging on spending cuts. Dr. Lubben's latest column examines what role DOGE might play in influencing federal agricultural programs, including the Farm Bill, crop insurance, and rural developmentRead more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/will-important-recommendations-doge-affect-farmers-and-ranchers-lubben-250213/

On this episode, we're talking about custom rates for field operations. Whether you're a producer hiring custom work or a provider offering services, understanding pricing trends and operational costs is key.Glennis McClure, an Extension Educator with the Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joins to discuss. McClure helps lead efforts on the Nebraska Custom Rates Survey, which provides valuable data to producers and custom operators across the state. She highlights what the surveys cover, how they can be used, and why understanding the economics behind custom work is more important than ever.Read more:https://cap.unl.edu/news/custom-rates-2025-field-operations-mcclure-250213/

Data from USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service shows that Nebraska farm real estate values increased by 6.8% in 2024, with cropland and pasture values seeing notable gains. County-level cash rent estimates also reveal trends in rental rates across the state.To break down these numbers and what they mean for farmers, ranchers, and landowners, we're joined by Jim Jansen, an agricultural economist with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Jim leads efforts on the University of Nebraska's annual Nebraska Farm Real Estate survey, which publishes a preliminary report of updated average land values and rental rates every spring, followed by a complete report in the summer. His new article on our center's website looks at the findings in these areas from USDA, which is what we cover here.Read more:https://cap.unl.edu/news/usda-reports-land-values-and-county-level-cash-rent-estimates-nebraska-2024-jansen-250210/

Tim Meyer, associate professor of practice in the Department of Agricultural Economics at UNL, joins to discuss his new article for the Ag Econ department's Cornhusker Economics series that explores the relationship between cash flow, profitability, and solvency in farm management. He breaks down why those matter, how they interact, and what farmers should consider when making big financial decisions—like buying land or managing debt. We won't be diving into all the numbers from Tim's case study, but we will discuss the big-picture takeaways that producers can apply to their own operations. Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/reconciling-paradox-positive-profit-and-negative-cash-flow-meyer-250205/

On this episode, we're joined by Shannon Sand, an agricultural economist with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Center for Agricultural Profitability. She recently wrote an article about IRS requirements for issuing 1099 forms — a topic that's especially relevant for farmers and ranchers this time of year. Whether you hire independent contractors, rent land, or make other payments that could require a 1099 filing, it's important to know the rules to avoid potential penalties. Article: https://cap.unl.edu/news/who-needs-fill-out-1099-sand-250203/

With recent land purchases, some are asking questions to learn more about IRS Section 180 and how it may provide tax deductions in the year of purchase. Shannon Sand is an agricultural economist and educator with Nebraska Extension who is based in North Platte. She joins the podcast to break down what exactly Section 180 is, who can potentially benefit from it, and how landowners can work with their tax professionals to utilize it. Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/what-irs-section-180-and-how-does-it-work/

Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Jessica Groskopf discusses what happens to farmland lease agreements when a landlord passes away. With handshake agreements still prevalent in Nebraska, the nuances of ownership transitions can create uncertainty for both landlords and tenants. Groskopf has a new article on our Center for Ag Profitability website, cap.unl.edu, that unpacks these scenarios and helps provide clarity on managing farmland leases effectively. Read more at https://cap.unl.edu/news/verbal-leases-what-happens-if-someone-dies-groskopf-250115/

When farm and ranch businesses develop a business strategy to achieve specific goals, like profitability, managers often have to account for risks that come from internal and external uncertainties. On this episode, Dr. Jay Parsons, director of the Center for Agricultural Proftiability here at UNL, discusses a new article he has authored as part of the RightRisk News team. It explores how producers can approach calf retention decisions within a framework of strategic risk management, which helps us coonsider factors that influence critical decision-making and strategies for navigating the risks involved. Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/framing-strategic-risk-and-look-calf-retention-decision/

The results of the November elections are setting the stage for substantial shifts in Washington, D.C., particularly in agriculture policy. With new leadership across Congress and the White House, key issues like the overdue farm bill, trade policies, tax reform, and regulatory changes are on the horizon. Today, we'll discuss what these potential changes could mean for agricultural producers and the broader industry. Dr. Brad Lubben, extension policy specialist at UNL, wrote about these potential changes in his latest Policy Report column for Nebraska Farmer. He joins to discuss. Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/stage-set-monumental-change-ag-policy/

This episode of Nebraska FARMcast takes a special look at emerging trends and the future of the workplace. From the growing demand on the part of employees for workplace flexibility to the importance of skills over degrees to employers, many businesses will face new challenges and opportunities in the coming years. Dr. Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel, an Extension Specialist with Rural Prosperity Nebraska at UNL, joins to talk about a new article she has published on our center's site, cap.unl.edu, that was inspired by recent findings from the Harvard Business School on the future of workplace environments. Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/are-you-ready-different-workplace-environment/

With lower commodity prices and tight margins for agricultural producers this year, paying attention for Farm Bill Commodity programs like ARC and PLC will be an important part of a farm risk management plan. On this episode, we're discussing the future of the Farm Bill safety net with Brad Lubben, associate professor and extension policy specialist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In a pair of recent articles for Nebraska Farmer and the Center for Agricultural Profitability, Brad dives into the complexities of federal farm programs, especially as Congress works toward a new Farm Bill. We'll explore the policy decisions and economic factors shaping these critical support systems for producers, and what changes might mean for agriculture in Nebraska and beyond. Dr. Lubben's articles: Sizing Up the Farm Bill Safety Net: https://cap.unl.edu/policy-legal/sizing-farm-bill-safety-net A Look at the Farm Bill Safety Net (via Nebraska Farmer): https://cap.unl.edu/policy-legal/look-farm-bill-safety-net

Estate planning is a critical issue for farm and ranch families – but what happens when assets are being divided unequally. It's a delicate, sometimes uncomfortable conversation, but one that's important to keeping harmony in the family while looking to the future. Anastasia Meyer, an extension agricultural economist with the Center for Agricultural Profitability has a new article on communicating estate plans to family when assets are divided unequally. She joins to discuss strategies for how families can handle these sensitive discussions and plan ahead for a smooth transition. https://cap.unl.edu/succession/how-communicate-your-estate-plan-family-when-dividing-assets-unequally

On October 3, 2024, the Nebraska Cooperative Development Center and Nebraska Grocery Industry Association are hosting the second annual Grocery Industry Summit in Kearney. This event brings together a wide range of stakeholders — from grocers and vendors to policymakers and more — to discuss strategies for navigating these challenges and building stronger, more resilient grocery markets in our state. Joining on this episode is Ansley Fellers, executive director of the Nebraska Grocery Industry Association, and Charlotte Narjes, director of the Nebraska Cooperative Development Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. More: https://cap.unl.edu/rural/grocery-industry-summit-address-retail-technology-competition

On this episode, Glennis McClure, an Extension Educator and Farm and Ranch Management Analyst at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, discusses her article, “Determining a Fair Rent for Farm Buildings,” which outlines the key factors involved in establishing a fair and equitable rental agreement for farm buildings. From calculating fixed and variable costs to considering depreciation and local market conditions, determining rent for these valuable assets is a nuanced process that requires careful evaluation. We'll discuss how property owners can make informed decisions and why understanding both the owner's and the renter's perspectives is crucial in setting fair rent. https://cap.unl.edu

On this episode, we're joined by Dr. Brad Lubben, agricultural policy specialist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The major party conventions are over and election season is in full swing, bringing speculation about what a new congress and administration could mean for agriculture policy. In his latest Policy Report column for Nebraska Farmer magazine, Dr. Brad Lubben, extension ag policy specialist with the University of Nebraska of Nebraska-Lincoln, explores some of the questions facing agriculture as Americans prepare to head to the ballot box in November.

Looking ahead from now in the late summer of 2024, the agricultural landscape faces a mix of challenges and uncertainties. Lower commodity prices, rising production costs, and tighter margins are creating a difficult environment for producers across the country. The financial pressure is reminiscent of the hurdles faced by the ag sector a decade ago, but today's high-interest rate climate adds another layer of complexity. That's according to Dr. Brad Lubben, associate professor and extension policy specialist here at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He's joining me to explore some of these risks facing producer and to discuss some tools and strategies available to help navigate these challenges. More at cap.unl.edu.

This episode dives more into decision-making in agriculture, focusing on a powerful tool that can help farmers navigate the complexities and uncertainties they face. Jay Parsons, a professor in Nebraska's Department of Agricultural Economics and Director of the Center for Agricultural Profiability, joins to discuss his article "Branching Out: Harnessing the Power of Decision Trees." It is co-authored with John Hewlett at the University of Wyoming and Jeff Tranel at Colorado State University, and first published in the July 2024 edition of RightRisk News, which you can find at rightrisk.org. The article delves into how decision trees can aid agricultural producers in making more informed choices amidst risk and uncertainty. More: https://cap.unl.edu/management/decision-trees-branching-out

Anastasia Meyer, an agricultural economist with the Center for Agricultural Profitability, discusses her new article on estate planning, which focuses on stepped-up tax basis and its role in estate planning. She talks about how this adjustment can significantly reduce capital gains taxes for heirs and explores its implications for the transfer of farmland and other assets to the next generation. Read more at https://cap.unl.edu/succession/estate-planning-stepped-tax-basis

This year's Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Highlights Survey, recently published by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, includes a special feature section that takes a closer look at the emerging trends and considerations for cover crops and their implications on lease arrangements. Jim Jansen, an ag economist with UNL and co-author of the annual real estate report, delves into these findings and explores the motivations and benefits of cover crops for landowners and operators across the state. Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/land/cover-crop-utilization-implications-cropland-lease-arrangements-2024

A recent Supreme Court ruling overturning the 1984 Chevron doctrine put a stop to the decades-long precedent that federal courts defer to federal agencies for interpreting statutory provisions set by Congress, and the Farm Bill could be one of the first tests of the decision's impact. Brad Lubben, extension policy specialist and associate professor with the Center for Agricultural Profitability wrote about the ruling and its possible implications in his Policy Report column for Nebraska Farmer Magazine's August issue. He joins to discuss more on this episode. Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/policy-legal/what-does-supreme-court-chevron-doctrine-ruling-mean-ag

Jessica Groskopf, an ag economist with Nebraska's Center for Agricultural Profitability and Nebraska Extension, has continued her series of articles that looks at creative ideas for estate and transition planning with a new publication on gifting ownership of the farm or ranch business. She discusses gifting ownership shares, considerations for ownership transfer, and the importance of planning for both the current and future generations. Read more at https://cap.unl.edu/succession/ideas-estate-and-transition-planning-gifting-ownershiphttps://cap.unl.edu/succession/ideas-estate-and-transition-planning-gifting-ownership.

The 2024 Nebraska Custom Rates Report, which offers insights for agricultural producers and service providers, is now available through Nebraska Extension and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Center for Agricultural Profitability. The report, published at cap.unl.edu/customrates, compiles survey data from 159 respondents, providing current market rates for 138 different custom operations and services across Nebraska. This comprehensive resource serves as an essential guide for those offering and seeking custom agricultural services. While the report offers a detailed overview of market trends, custom service providers are encouraged to consider their own operational costs when determining their rates. Glennis McClure, a farm and ranch management analyst with the Center for Agricultural Profitability, discusses this year's report and how it can be used by custom operators and those who pay for custom work. More at: https://cap.unl.edu/management/2024-nebraska-custom-rates-what-charge.

The higher interest rates that were established to counter inflation a couple years ago are persisting into 202, continuing to affect agricultural producers. On this episode, Jay Parsons, professor and farm and ranch specialist at the University of Nebraka-Lincoln, discusses how these economic pressures are impacting crop production, machinery purchases, and cattle herd rebuilding efforts. How do these rates stack up historically and what do they mean for producers trying to navigate these financial challenges this year? Read more at https://cap.unl.edu/finance/what-do-ongoing-high-interest-rates-mean-ag-producers.

The quest in Congress to pass a new farm bill continued on May 23 when the House Agriculture Committee finished their markup on the bill after a long session that saw major amendments proposed by the minority fail, leaving a bill generally resembling the one that was introduced. Dr. Brad Lubben, an agricultural policy specialist with the Center for Agricultural Profitability wrote about how this signifies the “starting line” for the bill's ultimate passage in his policy report column for Nebraska Farmer. He discusses what this step means and what the road ahead now looks like for the Farm Bill. Read more at https://cap.unl.edu/policy-legal/farm-bill-just-making-it-across-starting-line.

What's the impact of cover crops on the profitability and sustainability of livestock systems? Dr. Jay Parsons, a professor and farm and ranch management specialist and director of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Center for Agricultural Profitability, discusses a new USDA Economic Research Service report on the integration of cover crops into livestock operations, highlighting the economic and environmental benefits. Read more and find the full report at https://cap.unl.edu/livestock/nebraska-researchers-contribute-study-cover-crops-livestock-operations.

The newly published Nebraska Feedlot Labor and Management Survey Report, by Nebraska Extension and Nebraska Cattlemen, looks at data through 2021 and reveals significant changes in labor costs, compensation, and management practices within Nebraska's feedlot industry over the past few years. To discuss the key findings from the survey, including the challenges and trends feedlot operators face in navigating labor costs and industry shifts, is Dr. Elliott Dennis, assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist at Nebraska, and a co-author of the report. Find the report at https://cap.unl.edu/feedlotlabor21.

Cindy Houlden, a Cooperative Development Specialist with the Nebraska Cooperative Development Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joins to discuss g a pressing issue facing rural Nebraska and much of the country – the challenge of aging in place and the innovative solutions being developed to address it. Houlden shares insights from her recent article on the establishment of the Homecare Worker Cooperative Academy and how it's helping communities like Arapahoe find sustainable ways to support their elderly residents. Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/rural/aging-place-rural-nebraska-homecare-worker-cooperatives More about the Nebraska Cooperative Development Center: https://ncdc.unl.edu.

Borrowing a loan can be a useful tool for farmers and ranchers, especially to fill in gaps when cash or working capital is short to cover current obligations or to make necessary or planned capital purchases. Before signing for a loan, understand the loan terms and repayment requirements as spelled out in the loan documents. Jessica Groskopf, an agricultural economist with the Center for Agricultural Profitability, defines and explains important lending terminology and considerations for farmers and ranchers. More at: https://cap.unl.edu/finance/basics-loans-farmers-and-ranchers

This episode explores how federal policy shapes the market for biofuels, a critical aspect impacting farmers nationwide. Nebraska Extension Policy Specialist Dr. Brad Lubben's latest Policy Report column for Nebraska Farmer magazine dives into how U.S. policy drives the development of the renewable fuels markets and how the increased use of products like renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel might help to propel the ag economy. He joins to discuss. More at https://cap.unl.edu/forage/how-policy-can-drive-market-biofuels

Jessica Groskopf, a Nebraska Extension agricultural economist, discusses one approach to wealth transfer and estate planning within farming families. Jessica has just published the third article in a series that highlights different tactics for bringing family members into the operation. This episode focues on the concept of combining gifting with lease agreements as a means of transferring assets between generations while ensuring the viability of the farm or ranch. This not only addresses the complexities of estate planning but also maintains the standard of living for all parties involved. Find more, including the full series of articles, at https://cap.unl.edu/succession/ideas-estate-and-transition-planning-gift-leaseback

Glennis McClure, an Extension Educator and FARM and Ranch Management Analyst with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joins to discuss the intricacies of farm and ranch operations' financials at the start of the year. She talks about her new article on why traditional tax documents might not tell the full story of a farm's financial health and how accrual adjustments can offer a clearer picture. Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/finance/net-farm-income-impacts-net-worth-growth

On this episode, we look at a critical decision point for cow-calf producers: whether to retain heifers for herd replacement or to opt for purchasing them. This decision can have implications on the operational goals, finances, and the herd's genetic future for cow-calf operators. To explore what to consider in this decision-making process, we're joined by TL Meyer, a Livestock Systems Educator with Nebraska Extension, who has just authored a new article on the topic. Read more at https://cap.unl.edu/livestock/retain-not-retain-heifer-dilemma

We learn about the work of Buy Fresh Buy Local Nebraska to connect Nebraskans to local farms and foods amid their 2024 membership drive. The organization, based at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, offers members inclusion in their popular local food guide, published annually and distributed across the state. Interim Coordinator Charlotte Narjes joins to discuss. Read more about the membership drive here or visit the Buy Fresh Buy Local Nebraska website.

Bringing children into the operation is the goal for many farms and ranches, but it can require some creative approaches so that everyone involved can earn a living. Jessica Groskopf, an extension educator and agricultural economist with the Center for Agricultural Profitability, is writing a series of articles for our website, cap.unl.edu, detailing ideas to help this transition process. She joins to discuss her first article in the series, about monetary compensation for family members. Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/management/paying-family-members-farm-or-ranch

Dave Aiken, professor and extension agricultural law specialist at Nebraska, discusses two bills dealing with alien land ownership restrictions that have been introduced in the 2024 Nebraska legislative session. https://cap.unl.edu/policy-legal/foreign-land-ownership-bills-introduced-nebraska-legislature-podcast

Applications for cooperative business development mini grants are now being accepted for 2024 by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Nebraska Cooperative Development Center. The mini grants are available to both existing cooperatives and groups who are exploring or developing cooperative business models. The application is open through February 15th. UNL Cooperative Development Specialist Cindy Houlden joins to discuss. Find out more and apply on the Nebraska Cooperative Development Center's website, https://ncdc.unl.edu.

On this episode, we elve into the crucial realm of strategic planning within the agricultural sector, and establishing the vision and mission for an agribusiness. In an industry buffeted by the winds of economic change, environmental unpredictability, and technological advancements, having a strategic plan can act as a map through the uncharted territories of future market landscapes. Larry Van Tassell, professor of Agricultural Economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Director of the Center for Agricultural Profitability has authored a new article on the importance of strategic planning and we'll discuss the art of transforming uncertainties into opportunities, the importance of understanding one's mission, and the need for assessing the ever-evolving external environment that shapes your farm's future. Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/management/importance-strategic-planning-farmers-and-ranchers

Glennis McClure, a Farm and Ranch Management Analyst with Nebraska Extension, discusses her new article on Figuring Field Operation Costs Using the Agricultural Budget Calculator Program. In it, Glennis explores the use of UNL's Agricultural Budget Calculator (ABC) Program, a tool designed to assist producers and custom operators in calculating machinery field operation and ownership costs. By comparing newer and older equipment, the article provides valuable insights into how these calculations can influence decisions regarding machinery upgrades and their impact on production costs. Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/abc/machinery

In this episode, we'll continue discussion about the complexities of the farm bill and current state of agricultural policy. After passing an extension of the 2018 farm bill in late 2023, Congress gave itself another year to enact updated legislation, but debate is expected to continue as competing interests show few signs of compromise so far. In his latest monthly policy column for Nebraska Farmer Magazine, UNL Extension Associate Professor and Policy Specialist Brad Lubben looks into these competing interests and ongoing policy debates surrounding the farm bill, and the impact on Nebraska's agricultural community. Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/policy-legal/new-farm-bill-remains-difficult-goal-2024

Marilyn Schlake, a Rural Prosperity Nebraska Extension Educator at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, recently authored an insightful article titled "Agriculture and Community Well-Being: A review of three research studies," which sheds light on the dynamic relationship between agricultural producers and rural communities. I'm looking forward to hearing more about the relationship between main street and agriculture in rural communities. Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/rural/agriculture-and-community-wellbeing-review-three-research-studieshttps://cap.unl.edu/rural/agriculture-and-community-wellbeing-review-three-research-studies

For new and beginning farmers, access to things like land and capital can present challenges on their road to becoming established producers. Amid the economic challenges that come with being a beginning farmer, there are programs and strategies that can offer a leg up to getting on a good path. This was the topic of a recent Nebraska Farmer magazine column by Brad Lubben, an extension associate professor and ag policy specialist here at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He's here to talk more about the realities of starting out in ag today, the looming challenges and some innovative solutions that can be implemented. Read more at https://www.farmprogress.com/commentary/farm-bill-extension-pushes-off-debate-but-not-farmer-decisionshttps://www.farmprogress.com/commentary/farm-bill-extension-pushes-off-debate-but-not-farmer-decisions