Stronger Farmland Values Supporting The Farm Economy

(IARN) — Strength in farm real estate markets provided support to the agricultural sector amid ongoing financial challenges. The Tenth District Survey of Agricultural Credit Condition from the Federal Reserve of Kansas City says non-irrigated cropland values and cash rents increased slightly in the fourth quarter of last year. Cash rents had been dropping since 2017 but rose slightly at the end of last year. Credit conditions in the District remained weak but deteriorated at the slowest pace in more than four years. Despite some signs of stabilization, geographic disparities persisted across the region. Land values were stronger on the eastern side of the District, while farm income and credit conditions were weaker on the west side of the district. Read more


Many Factors Influencing Ag Economy

(IARN) — Today’s agricultural economy mimics that of the past five years, with a couple caveats.

One agricultural economist outlines his economic forecast, while offering best management practices for 2020. Read more


India Offers Dairy & Chicken Access In Trade Negotiations

(IARN) — In a bid to land a limited trade pact with the U.S., India has offered to partially open its poultry and dairy markets. The offer comes as India readies for President Donald Trump’s first official visit to the country at the end of this month. Read more


Study Says FCC Underestimates Rural Americans Without Internet

(IARN) — A report issued by BroadbandNow Research says the number of Americans that are without internet service is 43 million. That’s double the estimate of 21.3 million from the Federal Communications Commission. The report also says the problem is worse than the FCC says it is in rural America. Read more