Farm Management and Ag Policy

Nothing can replace experience and wisdom when it comes to farming, but old traditions are being challenged by new research and technology. When younger family members come back to work the farm, sometimes these ideas clash. Extension Ag Economist Anastasia Meyer talks about how to navigate potential problems when trying to blend the old with the new on the farm. 

As Nebraska farmland values increased in 2024 so did cash rents across the state. Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Jim Jansen talks about the USDA cash rent survey results for different cropland.

Your farm operation isn’t just about raising cattle or growing crops, it’s also a business that needs to keep track of numbers. Nebraska Ag Economics Associate Professor of Practice Tim Meyer talks about how to stay in the black with careful accounting. 

Survey findings from the USDA-National Agricultural Statistics Service estimated that Nebraska farm real estate increased by 6.8% in 2024. Jim Jansen, Nebraska Extension Ag Economist talks about this increase and how we compare to other states around the country.

How do you know how much to charge or pay for custom field work in Nebraska? One way is to check out this year’s custom rates survey offered by UNL’s Center for Ag Profitability. Nebraska Extension Farm and Ranch Management Educator Glennis McClure talks about several key things that can affect what you charge or pay for custom work.

Cutting government waste and improving efficiency has been the goal of the new federal Department of Government Efficiency or DOGE. Nebraska Extension Ag Policy Specialist Brad Lubben says cutting spending could have negative effects on local farms and ranches.

DOGE or Department of Government Efficiencies could have a big impact on USDA federal ag programs. Brad Lubben, Nebraska Extension Ag Policy Specialist says mandates from Washington could impact the upcoming farm bill negotiations.

The new Department of Government Efficiencies is reshaping and downsizing many federal government departments and programs, but how will this effect agriculture? Brad Lubben, Nebraska Extension Ag Policy Specialist says previous administrations have had the same goal with different outcomes.

For many farm and ranch families, bringing the next generation back into the operation is the ultimate goal. Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Jessica Groskopf talks about making sure family employees are compensated for their efforts on the farm so they can maintain a viable standard of living.

As farmland values in Nebraska continue to increase, cash rents will reflect that increase. Extension Ag Economist Jim Jansen talks about the details that are essential to determining cash rental rates.

Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Jim Jansen reports another survey that says Nebraska has had another year of increased ag land values. Today Jim talks about how the survey was conducted and the data was gathered.

Any farm or ranch with a solid long-term mission should have a strategic plan. Larry Van Tassel, the Director of the Nebraska Center for Ag Profitability talks about what is takes to create a strategic plan for your operation.

According to IRS regulations, any non-farm employees who was paid over $600 in a calendar year must be issued a 1099 tax form. Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Shannon Sand talks about the 1099 reporting requirements and what it means for your operation.

Getting the right amount of nitrogen to the exact place in the field that needs it can be a challenge. Joe Luck Nebraska Extension Precision Agriculture Specialist says sensor-based fertigation technology can improve efficiency and profitability.

Knowing and taking advantage of tax codes can help operations save significant amounts of money. Nebraska Extension Associate Educator Shannon Sand explains what Section 180 of the tax code means and how it can potentially allow landowners of newly acquired land to treat the residual fertility present in the soil at the time of purchase as a deductible cost.