2025 Farmland Values

By Steve Isaacs | Extension Professor
Published on Sep. 3, 2025

USDA releases the results of their annual survey of farmland values each August. The 2025 report indicates that national farm real estate values increased by 4.3% to an average of $4,350/ac. Kentucky farm real estate values increased 3.4% to an average of $5,480/ac.

2025 Farmland Values

By Steve Isaacs | Extension Professor
Published on Aug. 31, 2025

USDA releases the results of their annual survey of farmland values each August. The 2025 report indicates that national farm real estate values increased by 4.3% to an average of $4,350/ac. Kentucky farm real estate values increased 3.4% to an average of $5,480/ac.

Cowherd Expansion is Not the Only Way to Capitalize on a Strong Calf Market

By Kenny Burdine | Extension Professor
Published on Aug. 31, 2025

Much has been written recently about the strength of the current cattle market. With beef cow inventory at a 60+ year low and demand being very strong, cow-calf operations are clearly in the driver’s seat.

2024 Family Living and Net Farm Income

By Tarrah Hardin | KFBM Area Extension Specialist
Published on Aug. 31, 2025

Over the last few years, farmers across the state had to sharpen their pencil when it comes to the farm budget. One part of the budget should be a family living cost. The average family living cost was $100,358 or $8,363 per month in 2024 for the 90 farms in the Kentucky Farm Business (KFBM) family living data set.

Average KFBM Net Farm Income Dips Negative for the First Time in Decades

By Kayla Brashears | KFBM Area Extension Specialist
Published on Jul. 30, 2025

For the first time since the 1980s, the average Net Farm Income (NFI) among Kentucky Farm Business Management (KFBM) cooperators has fallen below zero, closing the production year at an average of ($20,522). This dramatic shift is a sharp reversal from the record high NFI in 2021 of $871,325.

“Farm Bill” Components Finally Reach the Finish Line

By Will Snell | Extension Professor
Published on Jul. 30, 2025

After more than three years of debate and two annual extensions, earlier this month, several components of the traditional farm bill that address commodity and risk management programs finally became law as part of a budget reconciliation bill better known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Bale Graze Your Way Through a Drought

By Greg Halich | Associate Extension Professor
Published on Jul. 30, 2025

DROUGHT can be a debilitating experience for any farmer but is particularly difficult for livestock farmers. Last year was an especially bad drought year in much of the eastern United States, and it was devastating in some areas such as West Virginia and southeast Ohio.

2022-2025: Price Trends of Three Spring Crops at Kentucky Farmers Markets

By Brett Wolff | Extension Specialist
Published on Jul. 28, 2025

I am a 2025 Center for Crop Diversification Summer Fellow, and this research is supported by the Kentucky Horticulture Council’s Student Research Grant Program and the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund.

Andrea Cooksey: Student Spotlight

Published on Jul. 16, 2025

Andrea has recently completed her freshman year at the University of Kentucky in the Agricultural Economics department, where she has already begun to make her mark. She has shared valuable insights, experiences, and advice for future students, reflecting both her passion and perspective.

Risk Management for Carbon Programs: Questions Every Farmer and Rancher Should Ask

By Jordan Shockley | Associate Extension Professor
Published on Jul. 1, 2025

The publication titled “Risk Management for Carbon Programs: Questions Every Farmer and Rancher Should Ask” is a practical and timely resource designed to help agricultural producers navigate the uncertainties associated with participating in carbon markets.