Finance

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  • May 21, 2013
    blog

    Perspectives on U.S. Farm Debt

    There is considerable discussion among agricultural economists and lenders concerning the status and trends of U.S. farm debt. Let’s dig deeper into the subject and provide perspective....More
  • May 7, 2013
    blog

    Financial Shock and Stress Testing

    The other day a young producer was concerned because he had difficulty obtaining his operating loan for yearly operations. He stated that the lender performed financial shock tests that raised concerns about his financial status. Let’s examine some of the financial shock tests that are top of mind with your lender, and particularly the regulators that provide oversight on agricultural loans....More
  • Oct. 2, 2012
    blog

    Where is the Risk?

    Many of you have faced this summer’s drought and its implications. Of course, crop insurance was a key player in this year's economics, and some producers whose land received moisture at the proper times and proper levels benefited from solid yields at very strong prices. Land values and cash rents continue to rise as profit expectations are capitalized into land prices....More
  • Sep. 18, 2012
    blog

    Surprise from the Federal Reserve

    The announcement last week by the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) of quantitative easing part three (QE3) came as a surprise to me and many others. I was attending a bank advisory board meeting made up of management and leading agricultural industry players, and when the announcement was made, groans were heard throughout the room....More
  • Aug. 28, 2012
    blog

    Student Debt Jail House Rock

    Based on the title of this column, many of you probably think I have been listening to too much of the Elvis Channel on satellite radio during my extensive travels. No, seriously, young people in America are accumulating student debt at an alarming rate, which in turn limits their opportunities up to a decade or more....More
  • Jul. 27, 2012
    video
    Corn and Soybean Digest

    2012 Drought: Financial Impact on Farmers

    While you can see the effects of the drought on the crops as you drive down the road, what you don't see is the financial impact it has on farmers. Kent Thiesse, vice president, MinnStar Bank, Lake Crystal, MN, and former Extension educator, talks about the impacts on crop farmers and their crop insurance coverage, as well as the financial impact of the drought on livestock producers. Thiesse reminds farmers to be sure to talk to your crop insurance agent during this time, as well as your lenders....More
  • Jul. 24, 2012
    blog

    Perspectives on Working Capital

    I just finished teaching at the 14th annual National School for Experienced Ag Lenders in Spearfish, South Dakota. This year's group of 70 ag lenders and regulators was very open-minded and eager to learn, which was a blessing to all the instructors involved with the school. One student asked the following question, which is very relevant to lenders and the producers whom they serve....More
  • Jul. 10, 2012
    blog

    Views of Risk From Your Lender’s Perspective 1

    Let’s go to the other side of the desk, or in today's world, the iPhone or the iPad, and view risk from the perspective of the institutions that lend you money. This perspective was drawn from a recent Farm Credit University Commercial Ag Lending class, which had participants from all across the nation....More
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