Loan insurance is an important risk management tool that can allow farms to carry on after a tragic event.

A disability or untimely death to key farm personnel can adversely affect that operation’s ability to generate the cash flow needed to meet its debt obligations, but loan insurance can mitigate that risk, says Terry Betker president and CEO of Backswath Management.

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The business card says, “farm CEO,” which means the farmer oversees everything. But when it comes down to job duties, CEO is defined in two ways: vision and leadership.

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Can you count on decent profits in a good year? If not, farm finance experts say you might want to re-evaluate your expenses.

As one of the most significant expenses, they add, machinery often requires scrutiny.

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Before moving cattle or livestock into any pasture this spring, farmers should ensure fences are in tip-top shape.

That's the advice from two farmers who say it's imperative to check all the fencelines from beginning to end and do maintenance where needed to avoid problems while livestock are grazing in that pasture.

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There’s an entire ecosystem in your soil that’s as complex as the Serengeti.

Among the teeming life underground are microbes, which aid in nutrient and carbon cycling, improving soil structure and suppressing plant disease.

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Developing the business is a goal for many farm families working through transition. Truly accounting for machinery costs, however, isn’t always considered.

But given the high price of farm equipment, ensuring purchases still support farm profitability is more important than ever.

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Get a second opinion about products that promise soil enhancement benefits or risk being sold a bill of goods, experts warn.

“You can walk around an ag show... and hear pitches on dubious claims in every aisle,” says Thom Weir, an agronomist with Farmers Edge.

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Mother Nature is throwing another curve ball this spring at weed forecasts, thanks to appreciable snowfall in some parts of the country’s farming areas that may spark flooding.

If that happens, weed seed distribution can be extended significantly by floodwaters.

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Cattle producers low on feed may be more tempted to put their cattle out on pasture as soon as the snow melts, but experts warn that comes with repercussions to both plant and animal health.

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Canada's recent sale of durum wheat to Algeria indicates world prices may drop, probably because of the new crop expected soon.

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