An important part of managing a farm business is managing debt. Producers who utilize debt effectively can increase the profitability of their operation. However, borrowing comes at a cost. Today, we’ll discuss the different types of loans available to producers and their structures. We’ll also look at how different loan structures impact the cost of borrowing.
[Read more…] about Considering the Impact of Loan Structure on Loan Cost
Cotton harvest on Oct. 20, 2021. (Courtney Sacco/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
It’s almost time for producers to begin harvesting cotton in this part of the state. Today, we look at the decision to harvest low-yielding fields and discuss the costs and benefits of doing so. We also present a tool to help producers evaluate the profitability of harvesting cotton from low-yielding fields. [Read more…] about To Harvest or Not to Harvest? Cotton Harvest Decisions
Aug. 9, 2022 in College Station, Texas. (Sam Craft/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
Last month, USDA released two important reports: the monthly Crop Production report, and the latest World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimate (WASDE) report. In this post, we discuss what these reports say about cotton production in 2024.
Droughts have had devastating effects on our operation. While 50% of the Southern Plains are not currently in a drought, the CPC-IRI Forecast has increased the likelihood of having a Niña season by the end of this summer until the end of the 2025 winter, which is correlated with lower rainfall in our area. To prepare our business for the future and ensure long-term sustainability, we must have and implement a drought management plan.
Peer advisory groups are an invaluable tool for progressive and business-minded ag producers. In this article, you’ll learn how peer advisory groups work, their benefits, and how you can join one. These groups offer a unique opportunity for agricultural producers to generate knowledge, improve their operations, and be more profitable!
[Read more…] about Are you looking to improve production and profits? Join a Peer Group Today!
It’s never too late to update your marketing plan for the new growing season. In this post, we will consider some possible marketing strategies for crops, along with some of the risks associated with these strategies.
[Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 5/1/2024 – Crop Marketing Strategies
Field crops in Burleson County on July 30, 2021. (Laura McKenzie/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
The 2024 crop and livestock budgets for most districts have been published on the AgriLife Extension Economics website. In this post, we look at the expected costs and returns for corn and sorghum enterprises in the High Plains.
[Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 4/17/2024 – Corn and Sorghum Budgets in 2024
Are you looking to measure your ranch’s profitability accurately? In this article, we’ll explore how to use the Beef-Cattle Standard Performance Analysis (SPA) to measure your ranch’s production, financial, and economic performance.
[Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 4/9/2024 – How do you measure how profitable your ranch is?
To fight rising inflation, the Federal Open Market Committee started raising interest rates at an aggressive pace in 2022. In this post, we will look at the Federal Reserve’s progress in the fight against inflation. We’ll also discuss what to expect from the Federal Reserve in terms of interest rate policy in 2024.
[Read more…] about High Plains Ag Week 4/3/2024 – Inflation and Interest Rates in 2024
(Courtney Sacco/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
Producers across the United States are increasingly adopting the Livestock Risk Protection Program, commonly known as the LRP, to protect themselves against falling cattle prices. Today, we will discuss the benefits of adopting this risk management tool in your operation.