Rural Money
The latest Meat Demand Monitor shows strong retail demand for beef products like ribeye steaks and ground beef.
Accessing land is one of the biggest challenges facing the next generation of farmers and ranchers.
Purdue University’s Dr. Michael Langemeier joins us to break down the latest read on farmer sentiment in the April Ag Economy Barometer, and growing concerns about the impact of global conflict on farm inputs and income.
The USDA’s annual report leaves dairy producers with a mixed picture. Output and herd size expanded, but weaker prices kept income from rising with production.
Total cash receipts from marketings of cattle, calves, hogs, and pigs climbed by 18% in 2025 to $165 billion.
Higher freight rates and potential service disruptions are key concerns for agriculture, which relies heavily on rail to move commodities.
The new county maps show farm program payments are widespread, but payment design still produces very different outcomes across regions and crops. AgriSompo’s Brooks York joins us to discuss the role of crop insurance in supporting mental health.
Dr. Ernie Goss joined us to break down the latest Rural Main Street Index, discuss pressures on farm finances and equipment sales, and share expectations for the ag economy ahead.
The question of whether a traditional, multi-year Farm Bill is a constitutional necessity or merely an outdated artifact of legislative compromise — as opposed to a model of targeted reconciliation and ad hoc assistance — is one of the most critical debates in current agricultural policy.
New farm payment rules allow LLC members to have separate limits, but some local FSA offices are still applying outdated policies, creating confusion for producers.
March brought better prices for several commodities, but rising fuel and feed costs kept margins under pressure.
Farmers still earn only a small share of consumer food spending, even as post-farm costs continue to take most of the dollar.
Farmland outlook is tracking closely with producer confidence, investment appetite, and financial expectations.
Landowners interested in protecting working ground through an easement now have another funding window open until the end of May.
Domestic demand policy may play a larger role if export competition continues to limit price recovery.
Paul Neiffer joined us to explain how USDA’s base acre expansion will be calculated, outline key deadlines for farmers, and discuss how the changes tie into farm program decisions and the broader Farm Bill outlook.