Farm Management and Ag Policy

Record-high calf prices have left many cow-calf producers wondering how to reinvest profits in their operations. Nebraska Extension Livestock Systems Educator Brock Ortner and Farm and Ranch Management Analyst Glennis McClure say these markets offer an opportunity to improve long-term profitability, but  also bring the temptation to spend pre-tax earnings on items that may not enhance operational efficiency or performance in future years.

Strong cattle markets have been very favorable for many ranchers this year. Nebraska Extension Livestock Systems Educator Brock Ortner and Farm and Ranch Management Analyst Glennis McClure talk about the strong cattle market and how you can plan a head for the upcoming tax season.

Many farm leases are established with just a firm handshake. According to Nebraska Extension Educator Jessica Groskopf, these verbal agreements can lead to legal complications when termination becomes necessary.

When children return to work on the family farm, several important considerations must be kept in mind. Larry Van Tassell, Director of the Center for Ag Profitability, discusses the dynamics of having family members as employees.

Farmers and ranchers seeking additional income should consider leasing their land for hunting rights. Extension Ag Economist Jim Jansen discusses important factors to evaluate before establishing a hunting lease agreement. 

Agricultural land in Nebraska has declined by two percent overall, marking the first decrease in years. Extension Ag Economist Jim Jansen discusses findings from the University of Nebraska's annual agricultural land survey. 

With the passage of the Big Beautiful Bill the Ag sector received a significant increase in spending for federal farm support and other farm bill provisions, along with some favorable energy and tax provisions. Nebraska Extension Ag Policy Specialist Brad Lubben says this is a big step forward in farm legislation.

With the passage of the Big Beautiful Bill comes enhanced insurance and safety net protections for farmers. Nebraska Extension Ag Policy Specialist Brad Lubben says these increased protections are going to be favorable for most operations.

Changes in ag policy are coming with the passage of Trump’s Big Beautiful bill. Nebraska Extension Ag Policy Specialist Brad Lubben says a lot of the concerns within the ag industry have been answered and farmers will like what they see. 

Detailed and accurate financial records are crucial to running an efficient farm or ranching operation. Nebraska Extension Agricultural Economist Jessica Groskopf says digital records can be very beneficial for farms and ranches if they are kept consistently and accurately.

Facing retirement involves many difficult decisions. A troubling statistic shows that most farmers aren't planning or preparing to step away from farm work. Nebraska Extension Educator Jessica Groskopf discusses critical planning and decision-making for farmers who are considering retirement.

Cover crops on livestock operations can offer many economic and environmental benefits. University of Nebraska – Lincoln Agricultural Economics Professor Jay Parsons talks about how cover crops can help make cattle operations successful and points out the benefits of incorporating them. 

For farmers and ranchers, having enough cash on hand to make purchases throughout the season may not always be possible. Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Jessica Groskopf talks about the basics when it comes to farm loans and discusses several options for farmers who need cash for critical purchases. 

Farm families are changing, and many times children don’t want to return to the operation. Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Jessica Groskopf talks farm succession planning when there is no family heir.

The Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln has released its 2025 report on custom service rates for livestock production in Nebraska. Glennis McClure a Nebraska Extension Ag Economics Educator says the report provides average charges for 26 different livestock-related custom operations and may be a valuable reference for producers and operators to determine fair pricing for custom services.