Agriculture Posts

USDA Simplifies Direct Loan Application

The USDA has announced several improvements to the process of applying for loans from the Farm Service Agency (FSA). The changes are meant to simplify what was once a cumbersome process that led to a high rate of incomplete or withdrawn applications. Read about the changes, including the creation of an online submission and …

National Ag Day Turns 50

This year marks the 50th anniversary of National Ag Day! The holiday, which is meant to educate and celebrate the role of farmers and ranchers in our daily lives, is celebrated each year in March. Click here to learn more about the history of the holiday and read some tips on how to recognize …

Inflation Pressures Farm Income

In the coming year, experts expect that farmers will continue to face challenges presented by inflation. With factors such as global demand, lingering effects of the pandemic, and more contributing to a sustained rise in costs, leaders will need to be prepared for ongoing price volatility. Learn what you need to know about the …

Be Intentional With Your Communication This Winter

As a farm leader, you may not realize how often you rely on your skills as a communicator. From employees to suppliers, customers to collaborators, accurately relaying necessary information and details is vital to achieving your goals. Here are some simple tips that you can use to improve communication with your farm’s stakeholders this …

How the Farm Bill Helps Out in the Face of Agricultural Disasters

The farm bill is a long-standing piece of legislation in the U.S. that was designed to support food security and, therefore, national security, explains a helpful article from the American Farm Bureau Federation. The author takes a look at how the farm bill has changed and grown over the years and specifically at how …

Making Your Farm a Place Where Employees Want to Stick Around

Workforce maintenance has become an enormous challenge for employers in many sectors, and farming is no exception. In a new article from Successful Farming, Jolene Brown offers up three key strategies for farmers seeking to get better at retaining their employees. Brown’s advice covers management styles, performance review methods, and methods for making work …

The Sooner the Better: Crafting a Succession Plan for Your Farm

Legacy planning is an important area of planning for farmers—and one that should not be put off for too long. Proper prior planning is the key to a smooth and effective succession, explains Brian Evans in a new article from Kiplinger. He discusses five different styles of farming succession plans that involve keeping the …

Strategies for Fighting Back Against Rising Input Costs

In spite of rapidly rising input costs, smart farm managers can still manage to turn a profit, writes Chelsea Dinterman in a recent article for Successful Farming. Dinterman suggests that farm managers focus on closely managing fertilizer application, reevaluating seeds and seeding rates, and researching alternative options to herbicides for weed control. Click here …

Is It Time for You to Go Global?

Have you considered expanding your operations into the global market? Now is a great time to consider implementing exports, if you have not already done so, writes Kala Jenkins in a new article from AgWeb. She recommends a two-pronged approach. First, reach out to export professionals to learn about your export options. Second, consider …