Don’t let what you don’t know get in the way of what you do know! I am writing this for all those I have talked to in the past couple of weeks who are so worried about things they can't change that they are not working on the things they can. Do not lose sight of what you know and what you have already accomplished. Jump out the slump and dig … [Read more...]
Calling- Next and Current Generation Farmers! This is for both of you!
I want to address two different groups in this post. First, the young next generation farmers who are learning all they need to one day take over the reigns. Then the current generation who are responsible for teaching the next generation how to take those reigns to run an operationally and financially sound farm. The Up and Comers First, one … [Read more...]
Why All the Fuss About Equity?
I know this is how a lot of farmers are feeling right now. Why am I hearing SO much about equity right now?! No doubt equity has always been an important factor in assessing the financial condition of a farm operation, but with commodity prices making cash flow tight - equity could be the saving grace. When cash flow and ability to … [Read more...]
How to make it through 2017
We are all very aware that 2017 will require some planning to make it through. The current price environment is making everyone take a hard second and third look at their current operation. In talking with farmers the question that I have been getting the most (or hearing the most as many have been asking multiple people) is " How are we going to … [Read more...]
The Most Expensive Sentence You Can Say
When you think about expensive, what exactly do you think about? Some think about a house, car, or possibly jewelry. Did a sentence ever cross your mind? I've heard tell of this "so called" most expensive sentence you can speak for some time now. What is that sentence? Simple - "I have always done it this way." How is that sentence expensive? … [Read more...]
Real Talk – Shortages
Do you see a shortage on the horizon? It gets to a certain point of the year when you can really see how your crop is going to turn out. You will start running all the numbers in your head to determine how much revenue the farm will produce this year. If you have some doubts of whether you will be able to make all debt payments or pay your … [Read more...]
Strategies to G.R.O.W.
Working Sharper? Agricultural Wealth Strategies To G.R.O.W. There is a story that tells of two lumber jacks in a race to cut down the most trees in a day. Both had the same style ax, the same amount of time and the same opportunity. However,they approached the work very differently. The first man never took a break. He chopped relentlessly all … [Read more...]
How Sensitive is Your Ag. Portfolio?
I have written several articles concerning how risky a farmer’s operation is. However; they are not the only ones who should be contemplating their level of risk. If farmers begin to fail for a variety of different reasons, what will your loan portfolio look like? What percentage of your portfolio would then be considered troubled or downgraded … [Read more...]
Land Rich, Cash Poor
Are you land rich and cash poor? Well, I promise you are by far not the only one! Many farmers find themselves in this situation often. Farmers are known for having healthy net worth with often more than 90% of their assets being farmland. Farmers often pour all of their excess cash into improving the land, making debt payments on the land, and … [Read more...]
Structuring for Success
Structuring the farm operation properly is one of the most important things any farmer can do. You want to know why? Think about this. What happens if the tractor hits a school bus? What name or entity is the equipment owned by? Who will get sued? Can they get to the personal assets? What if something happens to you, will your family know what … [Read more...]
