Preparing for the future ag workforce

Preparing yourself for future agricultural jobs Even as robots pick strawberries and drones spray pesticides, the demand for agricultural employees continues to grow. Experts predict that in the near future, two jobs will be open for every agricultural job seeker, including field and skilled labor. By equipping yourself with the in-demand skills in agriculture, you…

Ag Barometer Hits 16 Month High

Purdue/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer Shows Significant Rise in Producer Sentiment Agricultural producer sentiment rose last month to its highest level since January 2017, as producers expressed an improved view of current conditions and future expectations of the U.S. agricultural economy, according to the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. The May barometer reading of 141 was…

The Agricultural Innovations To Watch In 2018

While agriculture is one of the oldest technologies known to man, that hasn’t stopped farm technology from changing every year. From robots to Big Data computer models, new innovations are coming out all the time. As farmers ourselves, we enjoy seeing the latest innovations in agriculture that make life easier, crops healthier, or are just…

According To Ag Barometer Lower Taxes Are Possible

Ag Producer Sentiment Turns Higher; Many Expect Lower Taxes By Hoosier Ag Today After trending lower in late 2017, the Purdue/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer turned higher in January. The monthly survey of 400 agricultural producers from across the U.S. indicated that the measure of producer sentiment climbed to 135 points at the beginning of 2018,…

Finding (and Keeping) Agricultural Employees in a Tight Labor Market

As the saying goes, good help is hard to find, and no where is this more true than the modern agriculture industry. The USDA College Graduate Employment Report found 39% of open agricultural jobs can’t be filled by graduating students. That means business owners and managers need to sharpen their skills at attracting and keeping…

Purdue Releases January Results

January 2018 Results Released from Purdue University The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer is a nationwide measure of the health of the U.S. agricultural economy. On the first Tuesday of each month, the Ag Economy Barometer provides a sense of the agricultural economy’s health with an index value. The index is based on a…

5 steps to make 2018 the best year yet for your business

For many agricultural businesses, winter is a time for catching up from the last growing season and preparing for the next. Start the new year off right with these five steps that will help make 2018 your best year yet: Get your taxes done Don’t put your taxes off till the last minute. With new…

Looking forward and back:

Top ag tech predictions for 2018 and top tips from 2017 The end of the year is a time to look back at what was learned last year and to look ahead to what’s next. What changes did you make this year that saved you time and money? What opportunities are you exploring for next…

FARMERS FEEL AG ECONOMY DETERIORATING

CURRENT ECONOMIC SENTIMENT BRIGHTER THAN FUTURE. U.S. farmers see the current state of the ag economy less of a concern than in the future. In its latest survey results Wednesday, for November, the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer shows that producers expressed lower sentiment toward the agricultural economy in November on the heels of fall harvest,…

5 Tips For Running a Family Business

For some business owners, the Thanksgiving table won’t look much different than a board meeting. Running a business with your family can be deeply rewarding – but it can also mean unique challenges for operation management. Whether it’s a brand new venture or a company that’s been in the family for decades, every family-run business…