Learning Center

Explore 2022 articles in our Learning Center.

Economic Updates
Corn vs. Soybeans: Determining Profitability in 2023
This report examines current market signals for profitability in corn and soybean markets and breakeven levels for the two commodities at different fertilizer prices.

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Ag Finances
Three Tips for Navigating Uncertainty in 2023
Discover strategies and tips for your operation that aid decision making in uncertain times.

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Ag Finances
The 5 Cs of Lending
Learn how lenders, investors and others use the 5 Cs.

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Ag Finances
Land Auctions: How to Prepare and What to Expect
Learn more about the best practices for preparation, bidding, and closing on a land purchase.

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Economic Updates
Market Updates to Factor into 2023 Budget Plans
The best budgets are updated and adjusted according to markets. Matt Erickson takes a look at the market trends and costs shaping the 2023 production year.

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Ag Finances
Starting a Business Meeting Habit
Learn more about strategies, tips and best practices for successful, habit-forming business meetings.

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Ag Finances
What's the Deal with Cost Per Bushel?
Learn more about various ways to measure costs, the insights each delivers and how they can be used or misused in the decision-making process.

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Ag Sustainability
Digging into Carbon Markets
Learn more about the state of carbon markets and factors to consider before jumping in.

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Economic Updates
What You Need to Know for 2023: 5 Market Summaries in 5 Minutes
Now is a good time to start penciling in 2023 budgets. Our economist, Matt Erickson, looks at costs, prices and market trends to jump-start your planning.

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Economic Updates
Interest Rates and Market Shifts: 5 Market Summaries in 5 Minutes
Commodity markets have shifted in recent weeks. Our economist, Matt Erickson, looks at the factors shaping commodity prices, interest rates and more as we head into August.

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Land Values
Profits and Buyer Demand Drive Farmland Values
The average value for ground is at an all-time high. We have a state-by-state breakdown of land values and sale prices for the first half of 2022.

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Risk Management
Getting Unstuck: Identifying and Navigating Common Decision Traps
Learn more about some common decision-making traps for farm managers and how to get unstuck.

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Economic Updates
The Challenges Ahead: 5 Market Summaries in 5 Minutes
Insights and updates on some of the most important factors shaping the agricultural economy as we move into July.

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Ag Finances
Financing the Next Generation
There are several moving pieces to consider when planning to bring the next generation onto the farm. In this webinar, we shared economic and financial considerations when transitioning a farm.

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Economic Updates
Steps to Take Today in Rising Rate Environment
Read the latest projections for rate increases and what you can do to prepare for the impact on your cash flow.

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Ag Finances
Solving Labor Challenges on Your Operation
A tight labor market compounds the perennial problem of recruiting, retaining and developing your workforce.

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Ag Finances
Financial Best Practices in the Face of Avian Influenza
Producers and their lenders learned a great deal from the last major avian flu outbreak in 2015. Discover how to apply these lessons to the current outbreak.

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Country Living
Managing New Home Construction Costs
As experts in rural home financing, our consumer lending officers advise homeowners on the best practices for controlling construction costs at every stage.

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Economic Updates
Corn and Soybean Outlook: May 2022
USDA has released its May World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report.

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Economic Updates
One Certainty in Today’s Market – Uncertainty
Read five actions you can take today to prepare for lower prices in a high cost environment.

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Risk Management
Spring 2022 Outlook
Learn more about decision-making strategies and risk management tools to help farmers and ranchers navigate through the uncertainty and move their operations forward.

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Risk Management
Side by Side Digital: Market Moving Weather
Learn more about how weather throughout winter and early spring will influence the 2022 growing season.

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Economic Updates
2022 Planting Intentions: More Market Surprises
Our economist provides perspective on what USDA’s just released March Planting Prospective Plantings Report means for supplies, markets and more.

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Ag Finances
From Goals to Plans
Learn more about moving beyond your goals and developing plans to achieve them.

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Country Living
How Much House Can You Really Afford?
We have five tips to help you successfully finance a country home that fits both your lifestyle and your budget.

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Ag Finances
Farm Policy Update
Learn more about the basics of the programs, current conditions and key considerations.

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Country Living
Secure a Home Loan and Avoid These Five Pitfalls
We have developed the following list to help you maintain or improve your credit worthiness.

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Land Values
Optimism for U.S. Agriculture Carries Cropland Values to All-Time Highs
Year-end values in Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota reached all-time highs in the latest benchmark farmland study from Farm Credit Services of America.

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