INDUSTRY NEWS

Agritourism helps U.S. farmers and ranchers generate revenue from recreational or educational activities, such as tours of a working farm or “pick-your-own fruits and vegetables” programs. Beginning, small and midsize farms are increasingly exploring agritourism as a strategy to remain competitive.

What is the issue?

Recent economic conditions have raised concerns about the financial health of the U.S. farm sector. After peaking around 2012, farm sector income declined while farm debt continued to rise. Farm real estate is no longer rapidly appreciating in value, and land prices have declined in some regions.

To manage input costs, many producers take advantage of early pay and other discounts offered by suppliers, including discounts on seeds for next year’s crops. Knowing the payoffs of different input purchase arrangements can help farms manage through tight profit margins.

September was a fairly solid month overall for retail sales of tractors and combines in the U.S. but to a lesser degree in Canada, according to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

On Jan. 1, 2020, all commercial oceangoing ships will be required to either use low-sulfur fuel or to install “scrubbers” on their engines to remove sulfur from exhaust. These new requirements are part of a long-term global effort to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions.

Agricultural students with journalism or communications training are encouraged to apply for Progressive Forage’s 2020 editorial internship program. Applications are due Dec. 20, 2019.