With tight crop margins and machinery manufacturers scaling back production does that mean farmers have leverage when trading or purchasing tractors, combines and machinery? Greg Peterson says the current farm equipment economy is much different that the previous downturn about a decade ago. What does that mean for buying and selling equipment now?

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John Seabrook has quite a story to share. His story just happens to be his family’s story and what a tale it is. His grandfather was called the Henry Ford of Agriculture. His father rubbed shoulders with the Hollywood elite and their family made an impact in the industry of agriculture and beyond. Here’s the story of the building and downfall of one of the largest farms in the U.S.

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U.S. and Canadian farmers share many similarities, however agricultural trade may seem to pit the two against one another right now. Our guest is Shaun Haney and he provides a Canadian view of trade talks and agricultural priorities for his home country. What do U.S. farmers need to better understand about their neighbors to the north and vice versa?

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Exports are a very important part of U.S. agriculture. This nation has done a good job of growing exports over the past few decades, but are today’s buyers the buyers of the future? How are populations changing and what does that mean for U.S. farmers and the mix of crops that are grown? We have an interesting look at how the world is changing, perhaps a lot quicker than most thought it would and what that means for all of us.

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Farming is often a capital-intensive venture. Tanner Sherman is a first-generation farmer on land where his input costs may be $35,000 per acre. So how do you get started AND make a living? I’ll take you to central California where managing 125 acres is a high intensity job that can create enough cash flow for one family. 

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Many farmers have been offered contracts to devote some of their acres to solar, wind and other energy developments over the past few years. Are those projects on the decline with a new administration or are they stronger than ever? We take a look at the current market place and potential opportunities and dangers for those considering selling or leasing land for these projects. 

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Chugwater, Wyoming is a town of under 200 residents in the southeastern part of the Cowboy state. I recent had a chance to meet their mayor, a relatively young newcomer from Pennsylvania. What he’s learned and what he’s shared with the community holds lessons for all of us on building better farms, ranches, small towns and communities that thrive.

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David Hula consistently raises some of the highest corn yields in the nation. His farm near Chesapeake Bay has challenges many other farmers don’t face, yet those extra hurdles have helped him learn better ways to increase bushels and profits and make him a source of advice to many other row crop farmers. We visit with him about some key areas we should evaluate to increase our chances of success every year. 

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Kim Ratcliff had some roots in ranch life, but she was working in New York City. When life events changed, she found herself helping to manage the family ranch and building a direct-to-consumer model that has been very successful. Her work offers insights into ways many of us can add value to the crops we grow and the livestock we raise.

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A lot of row crop farms have negative balance sheets for this year. How are lenders reacting to farm numbers that are often in the red? What are top farms doing that we can all learn from to stay well in the black? What is the route to profitability in challenging times?

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