As 2024 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the growth and success of Morning Coffee & Ag Markets. This year has been filled with insightful episodes, exciting guest interviews, and, of course, your continued support. We’re thrilled to share the highlights of the year, our podcast stats, and a sneak peek at what’s coming next! 
 From all of us here at Morning Coffee & Ag Markets, we want to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May your holidays be filled with joy, and may 2025 bring prosperity and growth to your farm, your business, and your markets. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to bringing you more valuable insights in the new year. 

In today’s episode, Riley and Dr. Ryan Loy are joined by Mr. Levi Price and Mr. Darin Drennan from Arvest Bank for a roundtable discussion on the financial landscape of agriculture. They cover:

1. Current Financial State of Agriculture: A look at low commodity prices, high input costs, and how interest rate changes are impacting farmers’ finances. The experts also offer advice on maintaining healthy financial ratios.
2. Debt Financing and Consolidation: Insights into refinancing, consolidating debt to improve liquidity, and the long-term effects of these strategies.
3. Estate Planning and Wealth Management: Why estate planning is critical for farmers, challenges in passing down the farm, and how debt management ties into broader wealth strategies.
4. Final Tips: Practical financial advice for farmers facing financial distress.

Tune in for expert advice on managing finances and planning for the future of agriculture.

Time Stamps:

Dr. Hunter D. Biram provides an update on the state of the Continuing Resolution being considered in Congress as the December 20th deadline and a government shutdown looms. Implications for the magnitude and likelihood of economic disaster assistance payments are discussed.

 Join Riley and Scott Stiles for the latest edition of Morning Coffee and Ag Markets, as they dive into a detailed analysis of the December 2024 WASDE Report. This key update from the U.S. Department of Agriculture provides important insights into global supply and demand projections for major crops, including corn, soybeans, and wheat. Tune in as Riley and Scott break down the numbers, discuss the market trends, and explore the potential impacts on farmers and traders. Whether you're tracking crop forecasts or keeping an eye on global commodity prices, this conversation will give you the crucial market intelligence you need to navigate the agricultural landscape. 

Time Stamp December 2024 USDA Supply / Demand Report

• 0:38 - WASDE Overview
• 1:47 - Corn
• 4:34 - Soybeans
• 7:53 - Rice
• 10:55 - Cotton
• 13:33 - January WASDE and 2025 Crop Budgets
• 17:54 - Market Report

On this episode of Morning Coffee and Ag Markets, the conversation centers around the big questions facing agriculture as we look ahead to 2025. Riley, Hunter, Ryan, and Scott sit down over their coffee to discuss the current economic pressures on farmers, financial conditions, and the uncertain future of farm programs. With markets in flux and the expiration of the 2018 Farm Bill, there’s much to unpack. Join us as we explore the outlook for agriculture and the policy landscape in the year ahead.

1. Economic State of Play (Scott): Scott highlights the squeeze on farmers due to low prices and high production costs. Global supply chain issues, inflation, and rising input costs are major contributors, and Scott wonders if relief will come in 2025.
2. Financial Conditions (Ryan): Ryan addresses farm debt and the pressure from high interest rates. He questions whether the Federal Reserve's actions will help ease the financial strain on producers.
3. Farm Bill Status (Hunter): Hunter points out that the 2018 Farm Bill extension expired in September, leaving critical programs like Dairy Margin Coverage, CRP, and PLC without funding. He predicts an extension of the 2018 bill is likely, but other legislation, such as tax reform, may delay progress.
4. FSA Programs (Ryan): Ryan notes that programs like EQIP and CSP, authorized by the Inflation Reduction Act, will continue into 2025, but he’s curious about any new initiatives from the Farm Service Agency to support farmers.
5. FARM Act (Hunter, Scott): The FARM Act, unlike the traditional Farm Bill, focuses on direct payments to farmers based on expected income and production costs. It could provide relief but doesn't replace broader farm policy.

With critical programs at risk and the likelihood of another extension, the group is focused on how Washington will address these challenges moving forward.

In today's edition of Morning Coffee and Ag Markets, Riley is joined by Breana Watkins to dive into the latest discussions surrounding the 2025 crop enterprise budgets. Breana explains what’s on the horizon for the upcoming farming year, offering insights into key trends, anticipated costs, and market dynamics that farmers are keeping an eye on as they plan for 2025. They’ll also touch on how these factors might shape decision-making in the months ahead. From the UADA cooperative extension service, we hope everyone had an wonderful Thanksgiving. Grab your coffee and join in for an informative and timely conversation on the future of farming.

In today’s episode of the Morning Coffee and Ag Markets podcast, Riley and Dr. Biram are joined by special guests Dr. James Mitchell, Professor and Extension Livestock Economist Specialist at the University of Arkansas, and graduate student Walker Davis. First, we provide an overview of PRF Insurance (Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage Insurance), a risk management tool designed to help producers protect against the financial impact of weather-related losses in these critical areas of agriculture. Dr. Mitchell then discusses the weather and market conditions that have shaped the pasture, rangeland, and forage sector from the fall of 2021 to the present day in 2024. The episode concludes with insights from Walker Davis, whose graduate thesis focuses on PFR Insurance and its role in today’s agricultural landscape. Tune in for a deep dive into these important topics and learn how producers are managing risk in the ever-changing ag market.

In this lighthearted episode, we continue the conversation from Part 1 with our special guest, John McMinn from Arkansas Farm Bureau. What started as a roundtable discussion on the latest ag news and markets quickly transforms into a casual coffee shop chat. Riley, Hunter, Ryan, and John take a break from the usual stats and headlines to dive into fun, offbeat topics – the kind of random musings you'd overhear while sipping coffee at your local diner. Whether you're driving to the farm or just looking to unwind, this episode is sure to bring some laughs and easygoing conversation to your day!

In Episode 19 of Morning Coffee & Ag Markets, Riley hosts a roundtable discussion with Dr. Biram, Dr. Loy, and special guest John McMinn from Arkansas Farm Bureau. The panel dives into the exciting details surrounding the 90th Annual Arkansas Farm Bureau Convention, set for December 4-6 at the Hot Springs Convention Center.

John shares what attendees can expect from the convention, including keynote speakers like ARFB President Dan Wright and actor Dwier Brown, best known for his role as John Kinsella in Field of Dreams. The event will feature workshops on topics such as the farm bill, drone regulations, sustainability in row crops, livestock marketing, and financial literacy, offering valuable professional development for farmers and ranchers.

The convention will also host Arkansas’ largest agriculture trade show with over 180 vendors, plus a farmers market with local products. The panel discusses the convention’s business session, where delegates will set ARFB policy positions, elect leadership, and address key agricultural issues.

John highlights the Arkansas Farm Bureau’s vital role in advocacy and insurance, emphasizing the organization’s grassroots roots, which date back to 1919. The Farm Bureau advocates on behalf of farmers at both the state and national levels, focusing on regulatory affairs, the agricultural economy, and infrastructure.

Additionally, John introduces the Arkansas Ag Cast podcast, which covers timely topics such as the farm bill, commodity markets, and agricultural policy issues like the H-2A migrant labor program and current interest rates.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone in Arkansas agriculture or those interested in the future of farming and ranching in the state. Tune in for an engaging roundtable discussion on the trends and challenges shaping the industry!

Link to Arkansas AgCast:
Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/arkansas-agcast/id1213442556
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2t1gG9oKqUHgMZlb9ZiikQ?si=e000b89c4f4544ec 

In today’s episode of Morning Coffee and Ag Markets, Riley is joined by Dr. Ryan Loy, who is seeking participants for a new study focused on rice crop insurance. This research aims to better understand the challenges and needs of rice producers when it comes to crop insurance options. Dr. Loy shares details on how farmers can get involved and contribute to important insights that could shape future crop insurance policies. If you're a rice farmer or know someone who is, this is an important opportunity to have your voice heard and help improve the support available to the industry. Tune in for all the details!