Farm Management and Ag Policy

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.