Borrowing costs are at the top of farmers’ minds as they get ready to plant for the year.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell left interest rates unchanged last week. Economists say it is anyone’s guess where the year will go, but warn you need to be prepared.
“I wish we had a crystal ball to know what’s next, and I would say that what you don’t want to do is just cross your fingers and hope interest rates keep falling. Not doing anything is just as risky as taking an all-in position either way. So what we’ve seen a lot of people do is somewhere meet in the middle where they try to get to a risk rate neutral stance where half the debts floating, half the debts fixed. If rates go up, great, you have protection in place. If rates keep falling, great, half the debt keeps on floating down lower, too,” said Josh Cannington with StoneX.
Carrington says it is important to make use of market tools, like swap options, which could allow farmers to choose which risks they want to take.
ASFMRA’s Howard Halderman gives an update on Corn Belt farmland values, buyer activity, and what to expect for the rest of 2026 as geopolitical tensions and bridge payments move
April 08, 2026 03:07 PM
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Tidal Grow’s Align-N system delivers urea nitrogen directly to leaves, improving nutrient efficiency and boosting crop yields for farmers.
April 08, 2026 02:50 PM
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Farmers this year will finally be able to update their base acres with the USDA, something that experts warn must be done with complete accuracy.
April 08, 2026 02:10 PM
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Fewer interruptions could translate to improved efficiency—and fewer costly delays when timing matters most.
April 08, 2026 12:23 PM
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K-State’s Dr. Gregg Ibendahl breaks down the impacts of the Middle East ceasefire on energy markets and input costs, and what farmers should watch in the weeks ahead.
April 08, 2026 11:20 AM
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CME Group Executive Director of Ag Research Fred Seamon discusses the recent rise in farmer sentiment highlighted in the March Ag Economy Barometer report.
April 08, 2026 11:14 AM
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