![Editorial: Rural America Needs Sound, Predictable Tax Policy [VIEWPOINT]](https://farmandlivestockdirectory.com/wp-content/uploads/Arthur-Uhl-1-400x250.jpg)
Editorial: Rural America Needs Sound, Predictable Tax Policy [VIEWPOINT]
They say that nothing is certain in life except death and taxes. While those two certainties are undeniable, we need to make sure that family-owned businesses, including farms and ranches, aren’t taxed to death. Rural America needs sound tax policy because the future of family-owned businesses and family farming depends on it.
Ag’s Next Gen Dealers Are Building Businesses and Saving Growers Big Money
For those interested in a farm-based business, disruption in input distribution makes it a good time to get started. E-commerce and leaner distribution models are bringing better efficiency, and smart operators are learning they can separate agronomy decisions from their crop input choices.
A Farmer’s Perspective on Climate Change
Rather than build a policy that works on Capitol Hill but not on the farm, 4th generation farmer Mark Isbell recommends that Congress looks to rural America to identify existing opportunities to support agriculture through smart policy. As Isbell describes it, policy ideas such as carbon markets are just “one piece of the puzzle… not the whole puzzle.”
![The Border Crisis is Real for Texas Ranchers [VIEWPOINT]](https://farmandlivestockdirectory.com/wp-content/uploads/Uhl_Arthur-WEB-400x250.jpg)
The Border Crisis is Real for Texas Ranchers [VIEWPOINT]
If you’ve stayed up to date on national news recently you’ve likely seen and heard about the border crisis. Whatever your thoughts on the politics of border security and immigration, it is undeniable that a crisis exists for those who must live and work amid the chaos. (Viewpoint by Arthur G. Uhl III)
![Is Carbon the ‘Crop’ of the Future? [VIEWPOINT]](https://farmandlivestockdirectory.com/wp-content/uploads/Carbon-Farming-HERO-SHOT-400x250.jpg)
Is Carbon the ‘Crop’ of the Future? [VIEWPOINT]
Increasing awareness and concern about the environment, changes in government policy, America’s re-entry into the Paris Agreement, and a robust demand for carbon offsets all point toward an appetite for a different type of agricultural crop – carbon.
Farm-to-Farm Comparison Shows Higher Profits via Regenerative Ag, Better Soil Health
There’s little doubt that Carroll, Ohio farmer David Brandt is a soil whisperer. His soil health pioneering techniques, advocacy, and willingness to share his farming methods and discoveries are legendary in regenerative agricultural circles.
![Rural Infrastructure Doesn’t Make the Grade [VIEWPOINT]](https://farmandlivestockdirectory.com/wp-content/uploads/road_feature-400x250.jpg)
Rural Infrastructure Doesn’t Make the Grade [VIEWPOINT]
Each year, the American Society of Civil Engineer’s gives a grade to America’s infrastructure, and this year, we got a C-. As Americans, we need to develop a plan to fix our nation’s infrastructure and make sure rural America isn’t left in the dust.
Producers Bullish About Farmland Values Amid Strong Current Conditions
Strong commodity prices and farm income continue to support producers’ perspective on current conditions. At the same time, concerns about possible policy changes affecting agriculture, and eroding confidence in future growth in ag trade, continue to weigh on producers’ future expectations.
Nominate Your Fire Department to Receive Life-Saving Grain Rescue Equipment and Training
To raise awareness of the danger posed by grain bins, Nationwide has opened it’s 8th annual “Nominate Your Fire Department Contest” in recognition of Grain Bin Safety Week.
Tax Reform is Top of Mind for Farmers
For farms and ranches to continue their important role in absorbing carbon and conserving green space, they must first be able to stay in business. Every dollar counts on the farm, and farmers and ranchers need to plan their finances carefully to make it from one season to the next. Not knowing their future tax burden only compounds the uncertainty.
Win Gift Cards, Help Your Favorite Spots Survive: CAB launches #RestaurantChallenge
Restaurants are struggling to survive right now, with 1 in 6 closings permanently in the last year. We’re trying to inspire people across the food chain to help with a new #RestaurantChallenge.
![Immigration Reform—Time to Get It Right [VIEWPOINT]](https://farmandlivestockdirectory.com/wp-content/uploads/farmworkers-migrants-GENERIC-web-400x250.jpg)
Immigration Reform—Time to Get It Right [VIEWPOINT]
Workforce shortages have been one of the greatest limiting factors for growth in U.S. agriculture, and it’s time we find a solution that works for all. Responsible immigration reform will take all of us working together to get it right.
![The Need for Rural Broadband is Real [VIEWPOINT]](https://farmandlivestockdirectory.com/wp-content/uploads/farm-silhouette-GERIC-WEB-400x250.jpg)
The Need for Rural Broadband is Real [VIEWPOINT]
Broadband is an essential service, and there has been a dramatic shift toward virtual solutions for educators, healthcare providers, and businesses across the country recently. The cattle production business is shifting online too.
Ag Barometer Drifts Lower as Farmers Remain Concerned About the Future
Farmers’ weakening expectations for the future appear to be motivated by concerns about several policy issues proposed by the new administration.
“Corn Warrior” Cory Atley Launches Advanced Yield Select Crop Inputs
Cory Atley, Ohio’s four-time crop production yield winner, recently announced a new brand – Advanced Yield Select Crop Inputs – for the purpose of helping growers “make the most of every dollar they spend on crop inputs on every acre they farm.”
Farmer Sentiment Rises as Income Prospects Improve, Concerns about Key Policy Issues Remain
Farmer sentiment improved modestly in December as the Ag Economy Barometer rose 7 points from November. The rise was primarily driven by farmers’ perception that the current situation on their farms really improved.
The Year Ahead: Forces That Will Shape the U.S. Farm Economy in 2021
CoBank’s 2021 outlook report examines 10 key factors that will shape agriculture and markets that serve rural communities throughout the U.S. The early part of the year should look very different than the latter, but in total, economic growth is estimated to be about 4%.
![A Hard-Fought Year [GUEST COLUMN]](https://farmandlivestockdirectory.com/wp-content/uploads/farm-stress-GENERIC-1-400x250.jpg)
A Hard-Fought Year [GUEST COLUMN]
The past year has seemingly brought endless challenges, both for the cattle industry and the entire nation. The coronavirus, social unrest, and political divisiveness have dominated news headlines for most of the year. For cattle producers, coronavirus-related supply chain disruptions and market volatility have added to the hardships.
Farmer Sentiment Pulls Back Post-Election; Regulation, Trade, and Taxes Rated as Top Concerns
The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer dropped 16 points to a reading of 167 in November, down from its all-time high set just one month ago. The decrease in sentiment was led by farmers’ more pessimistic view toward the future of the agricultural economy.
Turning a Weed Into a Profit-yielding Crop
Researchers are studying the pennycress plant – an oilseed crop with ideal properties for bio-jet fuel – to find better genetics for wider, improved oil and fuel production. Pennycress could appeal to farmers who want to add a crop to their field rotation that wouldn’t compete with corn or soybeans.
A Sustainable Harvest
As farmers and ranchers, we know we are part of a bigger story. We are caretakers of the land for a time, following in the footsteps of generations before us. My farm didn’t start with me and, God-willing, it won’t end with me either. Sustainability is personal for me as a farmer: I’ve got my hands in the dirt that my parents and their parents before them farmed.
