Latest News From Sara Schafer

Consumer preferences can totter between fads and trends. For farmers to capitalize on consumer demands, they must be able to sort out which market opportunities to pursue, says Rob Dongoski with Ernst & Young.

You’ve done the hard part. You’ve set up a trust and allocated assets. Now, who will oversee it after you’re gone? Choosing a trustee is a major financial and personal decision.

How often do you soil test each of your fields? 

When you hear of a new record sale of farmland it raises eyebrows — and your farmland’s worth. With this key asset rapidly increasing in value, you need to analyze your estate plan. 

Profitable farmers create financial habits that separate them from others. These habits, consistently applied through the years, add up, and the results are evident.

Sarah Frey started a simple produce delivery route that has evolved into a fresh fruit and vegetable operation that distributes products nationally.

If you’re planning to buy farm equipment before the end of the year, here’s a refresher on two tax tools you can use.

For the sixth time in the past seven months, the rural economy has posted signs of weakness. That’s according to the Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) from Creighton University.

How can you maximize your hours in the field? Listen to an audio book or two. Regardless of your interests, there are great books that can make the hours slip away.

The 2023 Executive Women in Agriculture Trailblazer Award will be given to a female producer who is a shining example for her peers.

For a fifth straight month, the rural economy has posted signs of trouble. That’s according to the Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) from Creighton University.

You’ve heard the horror stories. The ones about farm families who spend months in court fighting over assets. The result? A destroyed business and fractured family. Why does this situation play out over and over?

These pests have colossal appetites but don’t tend to pack an economic punch.

To commemorate his 60th trip around the sun, Duane Hansen set a new world record.

During the 2023 Top Producer Summit, Top Producer will recognize remarkable farmers who have taken risks, built thriving businesses and given back to their communities.

“If you do not run your day, your day will run you,” says Mary Kelly, CEO of Productive Leaders and a 20-year veteran of the Navy.

The condition of the U.S. corn and soybean crops are holding steady, at least for now. 

Farmland sales continue to steal the headlines. As prices records continue to be broken, keep some of these farmland trends in mind. 

For the first time since September 2020, the rural economy is showing signs of weakness.

The consensus ahead of the FOMC report is a jump of 0.5 percentage points, says Chip Flory, host of AgriTalk. But what should the Fed actually do?

How to develop a “Code of Conduct” to guide your interactions with job applicants.

As the leader of a business, you have two choices. As trends and economics change, you can adapt and capitalize on the opportunities, or you can stay the course and watch your business decline. 

Think about how your farm has grown in size and scope over the past decade. Has your financial reporting followed suit? 

Farmers and ag cooperative need to be on high alert this spring. That’s according to the FBI, which is predicting cyber criminals might attack the industry during planting and harvest. 

China contains the largest population of any country in the world. All those mouths drive demand across the globe and for your farm’s products.

The global economy is facing numerous headwinds and tailwinds. Many of the forces at play will impact your farm.

Become a master time manager in 2022

A rising tide lifts all boats, and that was definitely the trend for the farmland market in 2021. 

Gratitude is like a muscle, the more you exercise it the stronger it becomes.

With COVID-19 inspired population shifts and farmland changing hands, you likely have a new neighbor or two. Don’t let that relationship become problematic. 

Well-organized and protected farm data can pay dividends.

The difference between strategy and serendipity is small when you are prepared.

Data-driven decisions use facts and metrics to help you make smarter decisions.

This has delivered numerous mind-blowing farmland sales. But will this runup in values continue?

You would much rather spend your time doing versus sitting and thinking. But, if you aren’t consistently thinking about the future of your farm, who is?

In today’s challenging environment, farmland sale-leasebacks are becoming more common and potentially smart strategy for farmers.

President Joe Biden's tax plan has both good and bad news for farmers, says Paul Neiffer, a CPA and principal with CLA and author of the “Farm CPA” blog.

In 2021, you have the choice to join #FJFieldDays in person or online. Join us at a location near you or login online to find educational content, industry insights and more.

Is now the time to expand your tech expertise? 

Is your operation poised for financial stability? 

The concept and calculation of return on investment (ROI) is pretty simple. Yet, it is often poorly defined and poorly understood.

Farm Journal Field Days is a combination of virtual and live programming to take place Aug. 23–27. Here’s an overview of the fun ahead.

While you may be used to summer’s sizzling temperatures, your team could face serious danger.

It’s time. You need to finally make your farm’s succession plan a priority. As you take a first or second or 20th step in the process, shoot to avoid some common landmines.

Research repeatedly proves employee-referred candidates are three times more likely to be a good match for the job.

The latest round of agricultural credit condition surveys from the Federal Reserve banks shows improved strength in the agricultural economy.

This year has been an incredibly active and competitive farmland market across all the Midwest

As you prepare for what could be a financially challenging year, investing in the people who work on your operation will pay dividends.

The transformation from the industrial age to the social age means farm operators need to hire for competencies instead of skills and experience.

Employees are a vital component to your business. Use these tips to make sure you are fully maximizing their talent and your operation’s results.