The financial revitalization that the dairy industry so gratefully welcomed in 2014 is just a distant memory in 2018

It’s no surprise that just about everything that goes into making milk is expensive

At $2.2 million per farm, equity positions reached a new pinnacle for U.S. dairy farmers in 2016

Across the Midwest, bankers reported worsening financial and credit conditions for the agricultural sector, as indicated by higher loan demand and lower repayment rates

In many cases, the milk check revenue has not inflated as fast as the expense side of the ledger

Previously, a financial analysis system called “DuPont” was introduced that assesses profitability through three primary levers

Since the end of 2015, the Federal Reserve interest rate has increased by 1 percent

I have always been fascinated to hear what dairy owners think about people who just drop in to see them. Once in a while someone says they don’t mind

Not too long ago, my siblings and I finalized our late parents’ estate. It has been a long journey from the time our mother passed away six years ago. Eighteen months later, we moved our dad o

The financial performance of dairy farms in 2016 was far less favorable than it was in 2015, and, of course, both are easily less favorable than 2014

For those who believe in preparing for a rainy day, it might be time to initiate those plans . . . if you already haven't done so

Running a business has a lot to do with building and maintaining relationships, and for a farm, an extremely important relationship is the one with their lender. The foundation of that relationship is...

In this volatile commodity business of milking cows, it is a relief to have a period of time when the income is higher than the expenses

This volatile business of milking cows has rewarded many of its caretakers with handsome returns. We always must remember this is a business demands a great deal of capital, planning, time and good old-fashioned...

Recently, there have been a lot of comments, papers and seminars using the general phrase "Precision Farming." We have all marveled at the global positioning satellite (GPS) technology that was introduced...

A meeting with your accountant can occur any time of the year. Generally, it takes place near year-end for tax planning purposes and after the first of the year for the completion of taxes

Leading financial advisors offer their advice to dairy producers as we wade through today's financial difficulties

I always have to sit back in my chair and contemplate a quote from W. D. Hoard when I read one. These one liners were made years ago. They were made at a time when agriculture was still powered by raw...