With 216 filings, farm bankruptcies were up 55% from 2023. Declining farm receipts, primarily in crop markets, led to an increase in the number of U.S. farms filing for Chapter 12 bankruptcy in 2024.

In recent years, dairy farming costs have risen across several categories, posing challenges to farm profitability. However, not all costs are beyond a farmer’s control. By focusing on specific actionable items, farmers can manage expenses effectively without negatively impacting cow health or milk production.

Everywhere we look, there is some activity, product, project, etc., attached to the word "sustainability." While some would think it's the overuse of a catchy word, it really makes you wonder if it's a marketing tool or if we're really contributing to sustainable agriculture. A fair question, to be honest. But the most important question is: What does sustainability mean?

We are going to discuss step three of our six-step exit planning process, which is to identify the type of exiting owner you most resemble. Why does this matter? Because all succession and exit plans do not follow the same path, and appropriately so.

The new year is taking shape with risk management policies offering enrollment for 2025 as the 2018 Farm Bill was granted a one-year extension, as well as the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) referendum passing with the new rule to take effect June 1.

In this week's news: The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 was introduced, Rabobank reports increasing milk production costs, and consumers are moving away from plant-based beverages.