Interest rate - Articles

Economic Update: Farm bill allowed to expire

October 3, 2024

In the Economic Update, we look at the expiration of the 2018 Farm Bill, the latest GDT trade event results, FSA interest rates for October and a weakening farmer sentiment.

Economic Update: Interest rates drop for first time since 2020

September 19, 2024

Jenn Coyne and Karen Lee

In economic news this week, interest rates dropped for the first time since 2020; global dairy trade is up, but Colombia has imposed tariffs on U.S. dairy; and all Massachusetts dairy herds test negative for HPAI.

Business cash flow: Navigating high interest rates and inflation

Maintaining trust and open communication with lenders is key to navigating economic roller coasters, along with reducing unnecessary expenditures and focusing on having sufficient working capital.

September 16, 2024

Ryan Reeves

The current business climate of high interest rates and ongoing inflation is challenging. It requires business owners to be proactive and strategic with cash management, debt management and requires an overall increased focus on every aspect of the business.

Ag loan interest rates move in positive direction

Quarterly lender surveys reveal a slight drop in agricultural loan interest rates for quarter two of 2024.

September 10, 2024

Jenn Coyne

Here’s an update on interest rates from quarter two of 2024 as reported by Federal Reserve districts that share data impacting dairy finances.

Economic Update: U.S. exporters’ secure rights to use common food names in Chilean market

Global dairy trade, FSA interest rates and farmer sentiment shift downward.

September 5, 2024

Karen Lee

In economic news this week: U.S. exporters’ secure rights to use common food names in Chilean market. Global dairy trade, FSA interest rates and farmer sentiment shift downward, and the USDA launched an online debt consolidation tool.

[Podcast] To cull, maintain or expand this fall – with Elliott Dennis

August 22, 2024

Join the whole Progressive Cattle crew – David, Paul, Tyrell, Carrie and Abby – as they enjoy the Cassia County Fair in southern Idaho. They speak with Ryan Udy about the experiences of being a junior exhibitor at the county fair and all the fun that comes with it. Abby also interviews Elliott Dennis, from University of Nebraska – Lincoln, as they compare the cattle market in 2024 versus 2014 and discuss how producers can make the decision to cull, maintain or expand this fall.

To cull, maintain or expand this fall

With high cattle prices, you may be wondering what you should do. Continue reading to get advice on whether you should cull, maintain or expand this fall.

August 9, 2024

Elliott Dennis

Cow-calf producers are expected to make $709 per cow over cash costs, including pasture, in 2024. These levels are nearly identical to the inflation-adjusted highs experienced by producers in 2014 ($534 in 2014 dollars, $708 in 2024 dollars).

Economic Update: Chapter 12 bankruptcy filings in 2023 reach record low

August 8, 2024

Karen Lee

From lower bankruptcy filings and interest rates to slight increases in farmer sentiment and the Global Dairy Trade, news for the first week of August is fairly positive.

Economic Update: Farmer sentiment falls slightly based on future outlooks

July 3, 2024

Karen Lee

As we enter July, here are some financial factors to consider, as well as opportunities for awards, scholarships and the opening of World Dairy Expo cattle show entries.