The recent vote to increase interest rates was met with stride by the market, but what does this decision say about the state of the U.S. economy and federal debt levels? How much more are rates currently expected to climb in the next few years?
Whether riding a roller coaster or working in the ag industry - what goes up must come down. Just as you would with a roller coaster, you must prepare yourself for the twists and turns. Following best practices during the good times provides a farming operation with staying power during the downturns Over time, FCI has observed commonalities among those operations that have endured the peaks and valleys, with proven staying power.
Learn about the Outlook and Opportunities for the 2017 Growing Season
As you begin planning for the upcoming growing season and beyond, hear from an industry expert on a topic crucial to your farm business. Presentation topics include grain markets, agronomy, weather trends or farmland values, and managing finances. Plus, FCI risk management staff will review 2017 crop insurance updates and options, and Todd Gleason, WILL farm broadcaster, will moderate many of the programs. There's no cost to attend and a meal will be served in each of the 14 locations.
There's something special about biting into a juicy peach or crunchy cucumber, or smelling a bouquet of flowers picked fresh and in peak season. Help FCI celebrate food grown and sold by FCI member-owners. Sign your business up to be featured on the Farm Fresh Members Market on FCI's website today.
The Price Check listing includes results for 116 different farmland auctions reported since the last results were published in October. These 116 public auctions concluded with successful bids and represented 8,725 total acres in 33 different counties selling for a grand total of $68.5 million with an average price of $7,850 per acre.
FCI & System Partners Fund Feedbarn at Fair Oaks Farm
Children's Dining Hall to be Dedicated in May
A $500,000 donation from five Farm Credit institutions helped build the Feedbarn, a children's dining hall on the Fair Oaks Farms campus. An agri-tourism destination in northwestern Indiana, Fair Oaks Farms provides youth and adults opportunities to learn about modern farming practices that go into food production. The new building provides a place for students and families to enjoy a meal during their visit. The Feedbarn is also equipped with educational resources on agriculture and sustainability.
Cooperative Buries Memorabilia to be Opened on System's 150th Year
FCI employees marked the end of the Farm Credit centennial by burying a time capsule in Mahomet filled with memorabilia and 2016 artifacts. The capsule is to remain buried and sealed until Farm Credit celebrates its sesquicentennial in 2066.
Farm Credit Illinois maintains a list of upcoming farmland auctions submitted within the Association's 60-county marketplace. The listing can be found at www.farmcreditIL.com.
Enter to Win One of Ten Winter Road Assistance Kits
Drawing to be held January 23
The AAA 65-Piece Winter Severe Weather Road Assistance Kit is specially designed to deal with cold-weather emergencies. This economical kit has all the basics to keep you warm and assist you in fighting ice and snow.
Congratulations to the winners of the farm safety kits following Issue 8:
Andrew Murray of Jersey County
Carla Brown of Macon County
David Berry of Richland County
David Sigrist of Fayette County
Gene Heap of Champaign County
Harvey Bally of Sangamon County
Jodi Neumann of Madison County
Kevin Luthy of Randolph County
Randy Grafton of Edgar County
Russell Wangen of Sangamon County
In Issue 8 of Essentials, readers were asked how much turkey their families consume of Thanksgiving. Here are the results from 561 respondents.
