A hundred head of recently weaned calves wandered the downtown streets of Boise, Idaho, on the first cold morning of October. Steam rolled off their backs, a mass of tipped-over trash cans behind them. A tightly packed alley of wandering souls staring blankly into a haze of flashlights and headlights. A cacophony of chaos filled with the rumble of lowing calves rising into the crisp morning air.

Although many farmers want to preserve their family legacy, they also need to consider their needs in retirement. Effective succession planning can balance these needs, but because of legal, financial and operational complexities, it’s important to approach this issue with a comprehensive framework.

Fertilizer prices have eased since the 2022 spike, but for most farmers, they still feel painfully high.

It is that time of year again where open enrollment for health insurance and Medicare are all around us. It can be complex and confusing. The best advice is to find a knowledgeable agent to help.

During challenging economic times, farmers are often confronted with challenges that include reduced commodity prices, rising input costs and cash flow crunches. When these challenges arise, it’s critical to rely on strategy rather than luck.

Step onto Lowe Family Farmstead near Kuna and you’ll find a conventional farm growing feed corn and wheat. And if you come in the fall, you’ll find a corn maze, hayrides, livestock interactions and dozens of other on-the-farm activity options.

The livestock industry is thriving with high calf prices. Sound accounting principles are crucial for strategic investments and sustainable growth. Managerial accounting offers a broader perspective on expenses and profitability.

If there’s a phrase that rings true in the ears of any business owner or manager, it’s that “a business is only as good as its people.” And in a world where automation is rapidly transforming many industries, the cattle business remains one of the few that still relies heavily on people.