Farm Credit Services of America

We’re at the Farm Credit booth alongside other Associations at the Agriculture Future of America Leaders Conference. Supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders is integral to our mission. Organizations like AFA directly impact the future of our industry by preparing undergraduate college students to become leaders in the areas of food, agriculture and natural resources. We’re having a great time connecting with these bright young minds from across the nation. #AFALC24

Working capital is one of the most talked-about indicators of financial well-being in today’s agricultural industry – and for good reason. Working capital is a producer’s first line of defense in challenging times and is critical to capitalizing on opportunity. This is a good time to revisit a conversation we had with ag economists David Widmar and Brent Gloy about how producers can measure working capital. Producers can use one of the following measures: ? Total dollars ? Dollars per acre or per head ? Current ratio: current assets/current liabilities ? As a share of gross revenue Which ratio you use to track your working capital is less important than choosing the one that works for you. By using the same measurement to track working capital, producers can identify trends and take corrective measures if needed.

Serving rural America means more than financing those who farm and ranch. We are proud to support local emergency response programs through our Working Here Fund grants. These grants help fund the purchase of tools and training needed to assist emergency response throughout our communities. In South Dakota, the Madison Fire Department used grant funds to purchase updated radios for emergency communication among first responders in Madison and five surrounding communities. The Charlotte Community Fire Company in Iowa used funds to purchase grain bin rescue equipment. The equipment is compatible with surrounding department equipment and training. In Nebraska, the Campbell Volunteer Fire Department upgraded 20-year-old Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) gear to provide breathable air for firefighters when entering contaminated situations.

Dr. David Kohl joins our young and beginning relationship officers to discuss transition planning. He provides valuable advice on how to have these tough but constructive conversations. Listen to the full episode on our website or search "Side by Side Digital" in your favorite podcast app.

In his Q4 beef outlook, Terrain analyst Dave Weaber shares that he now views 2024 as more of the normal trend for cattle markets. Read to find out why and what it could mean for beef producers. https://lnkd.in/gr5iZkz4

National Co-op Month is a great opportunity for us to highlight what’s really important – serving our customer-owners. From those just getting started in agriculture to fifth-generation farms. From row crop operations to cattle ranches and everything in between. We’re proud to serve our customer-owners. #NationalCoopMonth

No two producers define success in the exact same way. Dr. David Kohl joins several of our young and beginning relationship officers to discuss the secret sauce to achieving your goals. Listen to the full episode on our website or search "Side by Side Digital" in your favorite podcast app. https://lnkd.in/guwek8Bp

We’re excited to spend another day at the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo alongside so many blue jackets from across the country. The energy these students bring is contagious. We're proud to support both state and local FFA programs that are growing the next generation of agricultural producers and leaders. National FFA Organization #FFA24

Today’s tight-margin environment might require producers to make several adjustments –?smaller cuts that add up versus reworking one or two bigger parts of their operation. Whether that is negotiating cash rent with landlords, selling underperforming assets, sharing equipment or finding additional revenue streams, producers at all levels have options. “None of us know how tough, how deep or how long this cycle is going to last. The good news is we have record levels of working capital going into this cycle. However, working capital management will be one of the most important things producers will need to do.” - Jim Knuth, Iowa SVP of Lending When weighing the benefits of an operational investment against decreased working capital, Knuth suggests producers ask themselves: ? Can I afford a down payment that gets my debt to a sustainable level? ? Does that leave me with adequate working capital for the size, scope and risk of my operation?

“How will PLC reference prices compare to 2025 commodity markets?” This and other questions remain as we wait for the new Farm Bill. Join our upcoming webinar as we review where the bill stands, possible implications for farming operations and how to think strategically depending on the outcomes of the election. Link to register in the comments.