Taking Care of Business

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Partners & Friends,

The management team—Marcus and Shanna—along with Phyllis and me, attended the AgView Executive Business Conference this past week in Florida. It was mostly business-focused, with sessions on cost of production, US and global economics, labor management, marketing scenarios, accounting and tax strategies, land values, entity structure, and more. Here are a few bullet points from the presentations:

Path to Prosperity - Mike Finley

  • Strive for financial independence

  • Invest in appreciating index funds—stock index funds

  • Avoid financial advisors

  • Find the right teachers

Renewables and Tax Implications - Paul Neifer

  • There are lots of unknowns about 45Z, 45Q, and SAF

Farmland Investment and Fractal

  • 50% of Brazil will be out of its climate zone by 2030

  • Illinois has some of the lowest volatility farmland in the world

  • Some people are building their future—others are waiting for the future to impact them

Farm Economics and Trends - Chris Barron

  • Lenders are very concerned and cautious with this ag downturn

  • Know your cost of production

  • Family dynamics and communication are key areas

  • Return to management spread last year was $33/acre to $287/acre

Putting the Odds in Your Favor - David Kohl

  • Economics are overpowering the green movement in Europe

  • Will your operation be sustainable without government subsidies?

  • AI is transforming everything

Labor Management - Panel

  • What is your culture?

  • Define your core values

  • Know your team, know their lives

The ag economy will come out of this economic cycle in 3-5 years. These cycles are predictable. The US is now definitely the second worldwide supplier for soybeans, and that same distinction could soon apply to corn. The new administration is going to create a lot of dust, and until it settles, there are many unknowns. Unless the economies of China and India address climate change solutions, the other economies of the world will not make much of an impact. There has been a nice recovery in commodity prices—not great, but closer to covering the cost of production.

We are so thankful the weather has moderated. This time of year seems to be the dark before the rising sun. The warmth of the south is a nice break from the cold. Harper has also started teaching goat showmanship classes!

Fall 2025 Prices:

  • Corn: $4.28

  • Soybeans: $10.13

Steve