Interest Rates and Refinancing

By Jennifer Rogers | KFBM Area Extension Specialist
Published on May. 24, 2024

It is no secret that interest rates have increased.  In fact, the Federal Reserve increased interest rates 11 times between March 2022 and July 2023.  This rise in interest rates has increased the cost that consumers and businesses pay on borrowed money at all levels.  Our Kentucky farms are no exception to this increase in cost.  Farm businesse

Farm Bill Update – May 2024

By Will Snell | Extension Professor
Published on May. 24, 2024

Following the expiration and eventual extension of the 2018 farm bill last fall, interested parties have been attempting to get a farm bill moving in this session of the U.S. Congress prior to the existing farm bill expiring on September 30, 2024.

Farmers Market Purchase Frequency

By Azita Varziri | Postdoctoral Scholar, Brett Wolff | Extension Specialist, and Tim Woods | Extension Professor
Published on May. 24, 2024

Farmers markets are an anchor to a community's local food system and represent a high profile channel for local food system development in most communities. This study investigates various demographic and behavioral aspects that influence purchasing patterns at farmers' markets.

ADM Requirements to Comply with New EU Regulation Impacting Kentucky Soybean Producers

By Grant Gardner | Assistant Extension Professor and Jordan Shockley | Associate Extension Professor
Published on May. 24, 2024

Starting December 24, 2024, the European Union (EU) will require all imported soybeans to be deforestation-free. The policy aims to prevent deforestation and promote sustainable agriculture practices. Consequently, soybeans destined for the EU market must be traceable back to specific fields where they are grown.

Drivers of Commodity Prices: Exports

By Grant Gardner | Assistant Extension Professor
Published on Apr. 29, 2024

Since the onset of COVID, agricultural commodity charts have resembled the track of a roller coaster, with huge peaks and valleys. Global geopolitical events and conflict intensify these peaks and valleys. During the 2023/24 marketing year, commodity prices have transitioned downward.

Spring 2024 Farm Observations Across Kentucky

Published on Apr. 29, 2024

The Kentucky Farm Business Management Program is a program of the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Kentucky.

Butterfat Continues to be a Major Driver of Milk Value

By Kenny Burdine | Extension Professor
Published on Apr. 29, 2024

Kentucky dairy producers are ultimately paid based on the amount of skim milk and butterfat they produce. Needless to say, these two values greatly impact returns for dairy operations and the impact of butterfat has gotten larger over time.

Maximizing Value: 2024 Spring Application of Broiler Litter for Grain Crop Production

By Jordan Shockley | Associate Extension Professor
Published on Mar. 28, 2024

Spring is here and grain producers across the state are gearing up for planting.  One of the many decisions producers have to make before planting is in regard to their nutrient management plan.  Broiler litter provides a great opportunity as a complete fertilizer and is being produced and used throughout the state in grain production.  However,

The Ag Census Confirms Geographic and Commodity Shifts in the Kentucky Farm Economy

By Will Snell | Extension Professor
Published on Mar. 28, 2024

The twenty-year time frame between the latest USDA Ag Census (2022) released earlier this year and the 2002 Ag Census occurred during a period of dramatic changes in Kentucky agriculture.  During this two-decade period, the tobacco buyout was passed (in 2004) and implemented (2005-2014), the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board made significa

Stocker Outlook for 2024

By Greg Halich | Associate Extension Professor and Kenny Burdine | Extension Professor
Published on Mar. 28, 2024

Temperatures are getting warmer, the grass is getting greener, and the calf market is starting to take off.  These are tell-tale signs of spring in Kentucky, and we are experiencing all three.