Corn and soybean decisions have changed greatly Since August. This webinar will discuss implications of those decisions for planting decisions in 2021.

A recap of the financial position of Illinois farms will be provided. We will go over budgeting and pro forma cash flow planning for 2021.

All the information is needed to calculator crop insurance premiums. Deadlines for corp insurance and commodity title choices are nearing. This webinar will update any information that needs to be covered before decisions are final.

FAST is a set of Microsoft Excel spreadsheets that can be used to evaluate management decisions on farm. We will demonstrate use of the Farm Projections Tool.

A project team from ACES, NCSA and Purdue’s Agronomy Department have been developing a first-of-its-kind cover crop simulation and decision support tool for Illinois farmers with funding by the Illinois Nutrient Research & Education Council.  The tool was released in October and recently updated with additional functionality.  On this webinar, the project team will discuss the project and tool, as well as provide a demonstration and explanation.

The Cover Crop Decision Support Tool may be found at https://covercrop.ncsa.illinois.edu/

In this 1-hour webinar, the PCM and University of IL Agricultural Economics Team will summarize 6-years of data from the Precision Conservation Management program (PCM). PCM is a farmer service program led by IL Corn Growers Association and IL Soybean Association...

Farmland market prices are rising and cash rents for 2022 are being set. Latest information on farmland price, including results from the annual survey of the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraises. Expectation for 2022 will be given.

With growing concerns about climate change, policy markers are looking for solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. One solution is a market for carbon credits. Here we will describe the latest on carbon markets, with an emphasis on definitions of carbon markets and an analysis of current carbon markets.

After several years of trade difficult, grain markets have boomed. We will discuss the factors impacting grain markets and provide some projections for the future.

Brazil is the United States’ major competitor in agriculture, with Brazil now producing more soybeans than the U.S. Here we will discuss Brazil’s past development, and prospects for the future.

Global climate change is creating challenges for agriculture today and will continue in the future. During the past 50 years in the US Cornbelt, average air temperatures have risen and rainfall has become more variable, including an increase in the total number of extreme rainfall events. These trends are expected to continue. Weather and weeds are two stressors that can act simultaneously to affect crop performance, yet their comprehensive study in tandem is limited. The webinar will discuss the most important relationships among weed control and weather variability on corn yield loss due to weeds.

The Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) is a recommended N rate based on recent N response trials, and is often lower than rates based on expected yields. We’ll discuss how much risk this brings, and will introduce a way for producers to check MRTN performance in the field.

Production cost are rising at substantial rates. Here we will summarize grain farm financial statements for farms enrolled in Illinois Farm Business Farm Management, and present projections for the future.

This webinar will provide information about changes to federal and state depreciation provisions, how farm families can benefit from a variety of tax credits, and the latest developments for estate tax planning.

Farmland prices have risen rapidly in recent months both due to in part to rising income prospects and continuing low interest rates. Uncertainty about monetary policy and inflation, strength of the dollar, and export driven demand highlight the typical explanations, but expanding investor interest in the asset class, new technologies for managing farmland investments, and…

The 2021 version of machinery cost estimates for field operations, harvesting operations, and tractors are available on farmdoc. We will discuss the uses of these estimates and the methods used to arrive at these costs. Machinery management revolves around properly sizing machinery and optimizing use.

Reasons for optimism about farm incomes exist for 2022. However, risks remain. This webinar will discuss crop insurance, rental arrangements, and marketing for the 2022.

The Post Application Coverage Endorsement (PACE) provides financial protection when farmers can not apply nitrogen post-planting. This is the first year for the pilot PACE is available in northern and central Illinois.

With spring planting just around the corner, FBFM field staff will provide an income and tax update. A new educational program called AMP will be discussed that is being sponsored by Illinois Soybean Association, Illinois Farm Business Farm Management, and farmdoc.

By March 15, farmers have the opportunity to change their commodity title choices around Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC). Final thoughts on risk management for the 2022 season will be given.

Should the Russian-Ukraine conflict impact crop insurance and commodity title decisions. An update on the conflict will provide additional context for crop insurance and commodity title decisions. The deadline for those decisions is March 15. Presenters are Nick Paulson, Bruce Sherrick, and Gary Schnitkey

The March Grain Stocks and Prospective Plantings reports usually result in one of the most volatile days of the year in the grain markets.  This year the reports have even more importance due to spiking prices as a consequence of the Ukraine-Russia crisis.  We will discuss the important USDA estimates released in the USDA reports…

Profits are projected for Corn Belt farms in 2023, but likely lower returns than 2021 and 2022.  As the planning season for the upcoming crop year goes into full force, this outlook for 2023 farm returns will be useful in making rental, acreage, and input decisions, including focus on nitrogen decisions and the availability of…

Farmland prices have increased at a phenomenal rate in the past year.  Returns to farmland remain high, but interest rates could increase.  Luke Worrell will present results of the mid-year survey of the Illinois Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers.  Bruce Sherrick will provide perspectives on farmland prices.

The recent Inflation Reduction Act includes several agricultural provisions including conservation, energy programs, and farm debt relief. Learn more about the impact on agriculture included in this legislation and explanation of what this means as the expiration of the current farm bill approaches.

Historic growth in Brazilian agriculture will be documented, and projections will be made for the 2022-23 production year. Joana Colussi will bring perspectives on the potential of Brazilian agriculture in the future, especially regarding soybean and corn acreage and production.

Machinery investments on farms have been increasing due to various factors.  Brad Zwilling with Illinois Farm Business Farm Management (FBFM) will use FBFM data to look at the farm machinery investment over time as well as some other farm financial trends affecting farms.

Access to financial capital is one of the many challenges that young and beginning farmers face. Learn more about these challenges and programs offered by agriculture lenders and the USDA that can provide expanded access to capital for operating costs and land purchase.

Resources:

Compeer Groundbreakers

Farm Credit Illinois - FreshRoots

USDA FSA - Your Guide to Farm Loans

Farmland owners often have questions about leasing arrangements and other basics about owning land. Herein, we will provide the basics of the four different leasing arrangements: share rent, cash rent, variable cash rent, and custom farming. We will also cover questions of first-time landowner

FBFM staff offer insight for key tax topics to produce meaningful year end planning results. Strategies to manage tax liability using depreciation, prepaying expenses, retirement plans, installment contracts, and tax brackets will be discussed. Income tax liabilities are often a significant reduction to net worth; planning before year end helps guide to better results. Looking…

Presented by Joe Janzen and Scott Irwin

Presented by Gary Schnitkey and Nick Paulson

Presented by Joana Colussi

Presented by Jonathan Coppess

As 2023 gets underway, several items deserve increased attention for farm businesses. FBFM presents a Top 10 list of forward looking strategies to consider for a successful year. Changes in cost, income, inflation, tax laws, and estate planning are some key topics discussed. Webinar will be presented by Bob Rhea and Brad Zwilling of Illinois…

Many of the risk management decisions impacting 2023 crop production will be made soon.  At the end of February, projected prices for crop insurance will be known.

We will cover decision related choices related to corn or soybeans, marketing, leasing, commodity title alternatives, & crop insurance alternatives

Joana Colussi, Gary Schnitkey, Nick Paulson, and Eric Morgan recently traveled to Brazil as part of a research project on technology adoption among farmers, sponsored by the Lemann Center for Brazilian Studies. The team will share their observations and experiences from visiting the Agrishow, ag technology firms, University research groups, and farms in the Center-West.

Join us for this informative webinar where Ralph Kuchenbrod will provide essential tips and techniques for effectively and safely conducting searches in corn fields. Searches in agricultural settings like corn fields present unique challenges and risks that searchers must be prepared for.

Precision Conservation Management (PCM) has collected and analyzed production data on Illinois farms since 2015, with additional data from farms in Kentucky and Nebraska. In this webinar, Megan Miller (IL Soybean Association), Laura Gentry and, Greg Goodwin (IL Corn Growers Association), and Gary Schnitkey (University of Illinois) will share results from PCM's extensive dataset, providing valuable insights for farmers interested in implementing conservation practices.

Please join Dr. Aaron Hager and Travis Wilke of the University of Illinois for a webinar discussing their upcoming statewide survey of waterhemp resistance to Group 15 herbicides. Waterhemp is a troublesome weed that has developed resistance to herbicides from multiple site-of-action groups across Illinois and other states. This survey aims to gather waterhemp seed…

Join us for this informative session as we delve into the details of Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN). Farmers in the Midwest face unique challenges when it comes to balancing soil health, crop yield, and cost-effectiveness. The MRTN approach provides a strategic solution, helping farmers achieve optimal results while reducing unnecessary expenses. This webinar will…

Tune in for this timely webinar with Nick Paulson and Paul Stoddard of the farmdoc team at the University of Illinois covering rental market trends, lease types, setting rental rates, and discussion of other considerations and best practices. Valuable insights for both rental parties!

With the growing emphasis on climate change and sustainable practices, carbon markets are becoming an attractive opportunity for farmers to not only contribute to environmental conservation but also to generate additional income. This webinar will introduce you to the concept of carbon markets, how they work, and the potential benefits they hold for your agricultural…

This farmdoc webinar, by Bob Rhea and Brad Zwilling from Illinois Farm Business Farm Management (FBFM), will provide an overview of recent changes to federal and state depreciation rules, including the phase-out of 100% bonus depreciation and Illinois' elimination of bonus depreciation. We will explain the implications of these changes for farmers' taxes and offer planning strategies.

Cover crops offer multiple benefits – from improving soil health and reducing erosion to enhancing water retention and controlling pests. In this webinar, we'll introduce you to the concept of cover crops, their myriad benefits, and their role in modern, sustainable farming practices.

Are you interested in becoming part of a network that supports sustainable farming through data-driven decision making? Then this webinar, focusing on Precision Conservation Management (PCM), is for you. PCM is an innovative approach that combines financial analysis with conservation practice to help farmers make informed decisions that are both profitable and eco-friendly. This webinar…

Learn more about the Post-Application Coverage Endorsement (PACE) Crop Insurance Policy for 2024 during a webinar hosted by IL Corn.

Experts Dr. Gary Schnitkey, University of Illinois Professor in Agricultural and Consumer Economics, and Megan Dwyer, CCA and Director of Conservation and Nutrient Stewardship for IL Corn, will walk participants through this game-changing coverage endorsement and answer any questions.

This two-part webinar series will provide an in-depth analysis of risk management decisions and strategies for the 2024 crop year. Lower commodity prices are expected for the 2024 crop and marketing years compared to the past 3 years, resulting in a much tighter margin environment and increased importance of risk management decisions.

Part 1 on February 19, 2024 will feature Gary Schnitkey who will join Nick Paulson to discuss the commodity program alternatives with a focus on corn and soybean producers in Illinois. Crop insurance alternatives for 2024 will also be discussed as projected insurance prices are being set in February. Both crop insurance and ARC/PLC enrollment decisions must be made by March 15th.

This two-part webinar series will provide an in-depth analysis of risk management decisions and strategies for the 2024 crop year. Lower commodity prices are expected for the 2024 crop and marketing years compared to the past 3 years, resulting in a much tighter margin environment and increased importance of risk management decisions.

Part 2 on March 4, 2024 will feature Bruce Sherrick who will join Nick Paulson to focus on crop insurance alternative for 2024.  Projected insurance prices will be known at this time, allowing for a more accurate look at the risk protection and premium costs associated with the commonly used insurance programs as the March 15th crop insurance sales closing date approaches. Individual coverage

University of Illinois agricultural economists Dr. Gary Schnitkey and Dr. Nick Paulson invite you to a webinar focused on farmland rent agreements for the 2025 production year. They will present an overview of the current state of Illinois farmland rents, explaining the factors that led to record-high rents in recent years and the economic conditions now pointing towards necessary adjustments.

The U.S. biofuels sector has been buffeted by change in recent years.  Ethanol demand is threatened by rising sales of electronic vehicles (EVs).  Renewable diesel has experienced a boom and something of a bust in the last three years.  The new kid on the block is sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).   Feedstock demand for each of…

Renewable diesel experienced a truly historic boom starting in 2021 but plateaued recently. The demise of the FAME biodiesel industry has been widely predicted due to the renewable diesel boom.  On top of all this, the re-election of President Trump has created tremendous policy uncertainty.  The purpose of this webinar is to analyze the outlook…

Joe Janzen will discuss corn, soybean, and wheat price prospects for 2025. He will provide an update on current global market fundamentals and consider what price expectations based on the latest supply and demand estimates mean for farm grain marketing in the year ahead.

Joana Colussi will provide an update on South America’s crop production, focusing on soybeans and corn in Brazil and Argentina. She will also explore the potential for cropland expansion and export prospects, taking into account supply dynamics and global demand trends.

With projected lower farm incomes than the highs in the early 2020’s, we analyze Illinois FBFM data and economic factors impacting agriculture.  Using this information and trends, we will assess the impact of inflation, interest rates, and farm credit conditions on liquidity, land values, farm debt, and deferred tax liabilities.

New webinar series from Precision Conservation Management! We'll start by learning how this farmer-led program combines data analysis, technical assistance, and cost-share incentives to help farmers improve profitability and environmental impacts that affect future regulation. Discover PCM's history, explore key insights from its decade-long database, and see how its programs can benefit your operation. Whether…

Brittney Goodrich will review some less commonly used federal crop insurance options, like Pasture Rangeland and Forage Rainfall Index Insurance, Whole Farm Revenue Protection, and livestock price and margin protection products.

Illinois Crop Budgets for 2024 and 2025 suggest negative per acre returns to corn, soybeans, and wheat that could result in some of the lowest farm incomes experienced in the last 4 decades. This session will focus on management strategies farm businesses should consider as they prepare for what could be another multiple-year period of…

Jonathan Coppess will discuss the state of and outlook for the Farm Bill and farm policy including commodity (ARC/PLC), conservation, and crop insurance programs. He will review the issues challenging Farm Bill reauthorizations, as well as initiatives to modify farm policy from crop insurance changes, to refence prices, and the Inflation Reduction Act.

Dr. Gary Schnitkey and Dr. Nick Paulson will provide comprehensive analysis of 2025 crop insurance alternatives for Illinois grain producers. The session will examine coverage levels, product types, and supplemental options including SCO (Supplemental Coverage Option). Special attention will be given to the interaction between crop insurance choices and farm program decisions, particularly how PLC…

Joana Colussi (farmdoc team) and Silvina Cabrini (National Institute of Agricultural Technology, Argentina) will provide an update on the current crop season in South America, focusing on soybean and corn production. They will also discuss the potential for cropland expansion in Brazil, export prospects considering supply dynamics, and recent changes in Argentina's export taxes.

With the April 15th deadline approaching, this crucial session focuses on the 2025 ARC/PLC program election decision. The webinar will analyze the three program options (ARC-CO, PLC, and ARC-IC) using current market projections and historical data. Dr. Schnitkey and Dr. Paulson will provide commodity-specific analysis for major Illinois crops, examining how different price scenarios could…