Fielding Questions

Young and beginning farmers are an important segment within agriculture. Although there are challenges to getting started, resources exist to help young and beginning farmers get off the ground. AVP Loan Officer Sarah stops by to discuss what resources can be used along with tips for keeping a good relationship with your lender.

If you're looking to purchase land or build your dream home, odds are good you'll go through the appraisal process. AgCountry's Chief Appraiser, Tim Kreft, joins the podcast to talk about what goes into an appraisal, what appraisers are looking for and how can sellers add value to their property. Take a listen!

There is a lot of discussion about policy changes and what that would mean for taxes. Is that accelerating discussions about farm transitions? Bobbi Sondreal with AgCountry Farm Credit Services answers that question, and more, in the latest Rural Perspectives podcast.

Leasing has many benefits - like providing a flexible way to control cash flow while preserving capital. Amy Weum of Farm Credit Leasing joins the podcast to discuss what can and cannot be leased and why a farmer or rancher should consider a lease the next time they're in the market for equipment or facilities.

Market Education Specialist Katie Tangen joins Don Wick of the Red River Farm Network to talk about some recent volatility in commodity markets. Learn about what's driving it in the latest RRFN Rural Perspectives.

Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP) is an insurance option that is designed to insure against unexpected declines in the quarterly revenue from milk sales relative to a guaranteed coverage level. AVP Loan Officer Dennis Bangart joins the podcast to talk about DRP and what it could mean for farmers.

The heat and lack of moisture are taking a toll on crops in North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. That has farmers are fine tuning their marketing plans with the ongoing drought conditions in parts of the Northern Plains. While crop prices are attractive, it is hard to devise a marketing plan during drought. AgCountry Farm Credit Services Marketing Education Specialist Katie Tangen says farmers will have to decide what that crop’s potential will be after this heat streak. Hear more from Tangen in the latest RRFN Rural Perspectives podcast.

One question farmers and ranchers can struggle with at times revolves around purchasing additional farmland. Multiple factors should be considered before moving forward with such a large purchase. Ross Hebrink, VP loan officer, helps walk us through the lending process for purchasing additional land.

School is winding down, which means kids will be spending more time around the farm. However, these are what Safe Kids Grand Forks coordinator Carma Hanson refers to as the 100 deadliest days of the year. One danger on the farm this time of the year is the large equipment moving in and out of the yard and to and from fields. The size of that equipment has also got larger over time. “Just think about the size of that equipment and how long it takes for it to stop,” says Hanson. “There are also blind zones where a child, animal or a car can’t been seen. That’s why we need to give kids boundaries and a safe place to play.” Hear more from Hanson in the latest RRFN Rural Perspectives podcast.

Although farmers may have plans, nature can get in the way. Luckily, farmers can hedge against the natural risks to their revenue. On this episode of Fielding Questions, we learn about hail insurance. Listen along as Insurance Specialist/Coordinator Beth Erickson and VP Loan Officer Jeff Schaefer break it all down.