Brett Wilder

To build, or not to build? Economics of a farm shop

Farmers face three options for equipment storage: no covered storage, a machine shed or a farm shop. Key considerations include location, design and capital, with benefits in value retention and repair efficiency.

November 12, 2024

Brett Wilder

One of the most difficult decisions to make on the farm is whether or not to build a space for equipment and machinery storage and what type of space to build.

How much do equipment breakdowns really cost farmers?

Equipment breakdowns cost farmers more than repair expenses, leading to delays, lost income and increased labor costs. Proper maintenance, operator training and insurance can mitigate these impacts.

June 19, 2024

Brett Wilder

The true cost of equipment breakdowns is often far higher than the dollars spent on parts to get up and running again. And regardless of why equipment breaks down, downtime adds additional costs to your operation.

Decisions and dollars: Understanding equipment costs on the farm

Whether your equipment is being used, or sitting by the barn, it accumulates costs. Make sure to manage fluctuating variables of equipment with regular review and cost calculators available to you.

April 1, 2024

Brett Wilder

Every farm manager must make decisions about equipment. When to buy, when to sell and when to hire out the work are common questions. All of these decisions start from the same place: understanding your costs.

The financial condition of Idaho agriculture: 2023

December 29, 2023

Brett Wilder and Xiaoxue "Rita" Du

Idaho farmgate cash receipts and net farm income held near highs in 2023. Price changes varied greatly across commodities, but improved yields kept overall cash receipts elevated.

Should ag care about bank failures?

April 7, 2023

Brett Wilder

Recent bank failures will likely have a very direct result on agriculture.

The financial condition of Idaho agriculture: 2022

December 19, 2022

Brett Wilder, Xiaoxue "Rita" Du, and Garth Taylor

Idaho farmgate cash receipts and net farm income reached record highs in 2022. High prices contributed to record receipts for all major crops and livestock groups.

3 marketing decisions to increase profitability this fall

Tight margins point the spotlight on a variety of important marketing considerations, including adding value to cattle, market timing and risk management.

September 30, 2022

Meranda Small and Brett Wilder

Cattle markets continue to be strong, with all classes of cattle trading above year-ago and five-year average historical prices. High farm gate prices can lead to exciting marketing opportunities across the value chain, but they can also lead to complacency.