Decomposition of Statement of Cash Flows
Cash flow trends from 2007 to 2024 show how crop farms rely on operating income and borrowed funds to drive growth through asset purchases. As income levels shift, so do investment decisions—offering key insights for managing through expected challenges in 2025.
Read MoreFarmer Sentiment Reaches a Four-Year High in May
Farmer sentiment reached a four-year high in May. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier share their insight into the results of the May 2025 Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer survey, conducted from May 12-16, in this episode of the Purdue Commercial AgCast. The barometer rose 10 points to 158, the highest since May 2021, driven by optimism about future and current farm conditions.
Read MoreCost Efficiency Comparisons of U.S. and Canadian Farms
The objective of this paper is to measure the cost efficiency of corn and soybean production for six typical farms in North America (three in Canada and three in the United States). All these farms produce both corn and soybeans. Cost efficiency is measured using data envelope analysis. In addition to comparing efficiency indices, cost shares of the most efficient farm is compared to cost shares for the other five farms.
Read MoreNet Return Comparisons between Tillage Systems
Using the FINBIN database, this article compares the net return per acre between no-till systems and reduced tillage systems for corn and soybeans from 2014 to 2023. It is important to keep in mind that no-till systems typically exhibit lower erosion levels and GHG emissions. There is a tradeoff between net return per acre and environmental concerns that need to be considered when comparing these two production systems.
Read MoreFarmland Investments: A Conversation with Kyle Maple and Pete Drost
Kyle Maple and Pete Drost, professionals in the farmland investment space join hosts Todd Kuethe and Chad Fiechter in this episode of Purdue Commercial AgCast. Maple and Drost share their backgrounds, roles within US Agriculture, and day-to-day tasks in farmland asset management.
Read MoreDecomposition of Changes in Net Worth
There are three major changes that contribute to an increase or decrease in net worth: change in retained earnings, change in contributed capital, and change in market valuation. Tracking changes in net worth over time is one of the most important tasks of those in charge of analyzing a farm’s financial position and performance.
Read MoreCorn and Soybean Basis Go Positive as Strengthening Continues
The corn and soybean basis across the Eastern Corn Belt have strengthened for three straight months. As a result of the increasing trend, multiple cash bids across the region are now higher than the July futures price (i.e., basis to July futures is positive). The consistent strengthening has also led to many local basis levels reaching their highest mark of the 2024 – 2025 marketing year.
Read MoreIndiana Farm Income Outlook Report, Spring 2025
The Spring 2025 Indiana Farm Income Outlook, published by the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF), provides updated projections for Indiana farm profitability through 2026. The report highlights a projected 40% increase in Indiana net farm income in 2025—driven largely by higher government payments—and offers insight into trends in crop and livestock markets, production expenses, and policy impacts.
Read MoreTrends in General Inflation and Farm Input Prices
Recent data shows that while farm input prices are influenced by general inflation, they often diverge due to distinct supply and demand dynamics for each input. This article explores long-term trends from 1973–2024 and highlights how inputs like labor and machinery tend to track inflation more closely than others like feed or fertilizer.
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