Drought conditions contributing to uncertainty in forage quality, as well as high grain prices, have lowered feedlot demand for feeder cattle in the U.S. What might this mean for prices in the fall? Elliott Dennis, assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics, discusses video auctions, CME Futures and what factors can influence the price of feeder cattle as fall approaches. 

As older business and property owners in rural communities retire, the viability of small businesses in these communities can be put at risk. As the number of operating businesses goes down, the value of buildings can decrease, often increasing apathy in the community. However, instead of waiting for traditional developers to come along, real estate investment cooperatives may present an opportunity for community members to take steps themselves to revitalize businesses close to them.

Charlotte Narjes is Associate Director of the Nebraska Cooperative Development Center here at UNL.

Read more on cap.unl.edu or ndcd.unl.edu.

Last year, several pieces of legislation were introduced in Congress, with the principal aim of increasing the level of negotiated cash trade. The cattle industry responded to the proposed legislation by creating a voluntary framework, known as the 75% rule, which includes cattle feeder and packing plant triggers based on levels of negotiated trade and marketplace participation. The overarching objective is similar to the introduced legislation — to increase the frequency and price transparency in all major cattle feeding and packing regions.

Elliott Dennis, assistant professor and livestock economist in the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, reviews how regions have responded to the requirements set by the voluntary framework, which went into effect on Jan. 1. 

More information can be found in an article by Dr. Dennis at cap.unl.edu.

While commodity programs have typically driven discussion around the passage of new farm bills every five or so years, conservation program spending has more recently come closer to the levels of commodity programs. Brad Lubben, extension associate professor and policy specialist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, discusses the most recent numbers, the recent headlines about conservation, and the conservation programs available now to producers. 

For more, read an article by Dr. Lubben on this topic at cap.unl.edu.

In many businesses, regular meetings can improve communication and streamline the decision-making process, keeping everyone in management and operations on the same page. But many farm and ranch businesses are not using this tool.

Jessica Groskopf, an agricultural economist with Nebraska Extension, discusses how to go about planning for and running meetings so that an operation can make the most of this important communication method.

Read more at cap.unl.edu.

Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel is an extension specialist with Rural Prosperity Nebraska.

Setting goals mid-year, THIS year, could be perfect timing to take advantage of all the changes that are taking place. These goals could be for you individually, for a group or business or even for a community. Regardless of where the goals are targeted, there are some helpful guidelines to remember when you establish and ultimately implement them.

Read more about this in a an article by Dr. Burkhart-Kriesel on cap.unl.edu.

Many use the terms “farm estate planning” and “farm transition planning” interchangeably, but there are important distinctions to consider. Allan Vyhnalek, an extension educator for farm and ranch transition and succession, discusses planning for farm and ranch transition and modern considerations for what families and ag businesses as they go through this important process.

Read more in Vyhnalek's recent article on the topic at cap.unl.edu.

While high levels of price volatility in a rising market enhance the emotion associated with the grain marketing decision, price volatility also brings opportunity. Taking advantage of the opportunity requires discipline in the marketing decision. Jessica Groskopf and Cory Walters highlight the role of expected revenue in relation to production costs in making the grain marketing decision as well as the creation and importance of your farm’s average selling price.

Read more in their article at cap.unl.edu.

Growing a farm or ranch business goes beyond producing the most bushels or pounds. Operators who are profitable are more likely to control the fate of their business and achieve longevity through a balanced management approach. But this requires discipline and knowledge, according to Matt Stockton, an agricultural economist with Nebraska Extension, based at the West Central Research Extension and Education Center in North Platte.

Marilyn Schlake, an extension educator with Rural Prosperity Nebraska and Nebraska Extension, discusses how rural communities can evaluate their own strengths and weaknesses to best equip themselves for the future.

Read more at https://cap.unl.edu.