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.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer outlines the key difference between previous ECAP payments and the Farm Bridge Assistance Program.
December 19, 2025 01:56 PM
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NRECA CEO Jim Matheson reacts to the U.S. House’s passage of the SPEED Act, which aims to streamline federal permitting for energy and infrastructure projects, and discusses its potential impact on rural communities.
December 19, 2025 01:14 PM
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Weather-driven transportation disruptions can tighten logistics, affect basis levels, and delay grain movement during winter months.
December 19, 2025 12:55 PM
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Lower milk prices may pressure margins, but strong cattle values could soften near-term financial impacts.
December 19, 2025 12:50 PM
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USDA Undersecretary Luke Lindberg outlines the Farm Bridge Assistance Program and responds to calls from lawmakers and ag leaders for more assistance and expanded trade opportunities for farmers.
December 19, 2025 12:46 PM
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Callahan is no stranger to agricultural trade and has been with the U.S. Trade Representative’s office since 2016.
December 19, 2025 11:53 AM
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