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Flexible Lease Workshop flyer for two virtual workshops delivered on Zoom in September 2025.

Financial Stress on Crop Farms: Who Is Most at Risk in the 2024–26 Downturn?

September 3, 2025

Midwest crop producers have experienced a significant downturn in corn, soybean, and wheat prices since late 2023, resulting in a drop in net returns in 2024. Moreover, current expectations are that prices will continue to remain at or below the cost of production for at least a couple more years. Consequently, a key question being asked is as follows: “Who is the most vulnerable financially during this downturn”?

Factors Impacting Farm Growth

September 3, 2025

This article presents results from a recent survey pertaining to farm goals, and discusses the relationships between farm growth, farm goals, producer sentiment, and farm characteristics.

Farmer Sentiment Weakens as Producer Confidence in Future Wanes

September 2, 2025

Farmer sentiment dipped again in August as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer Index fell 10 points to 125. Producers were markedly less optimistic about the future in August as the Index of Future Expectations dropped 16 points to 123. This was the lowest reading for the future index since last September. Purdue ag economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier share insights into the results of the August 2025 survey, conducted from August 11-15, in this episode of the Purdue Commercial AgCast.

Crop Net Return Prospects, Presentation at Pinney Purdue Field Day

August 20, 2025

Michael Langemeier presented at the Pinney Purdue Field Day in Wanatah, Indiana on August 20, 2025, on crop net returns and the farmland market.

Farmland Prices Increase Despite Downward Pressure, Purdue Ag Econ Report August 2025

August 19, 2025

Indiana farmland prices have continued the trend of record highs in 2025, according to the latest Purdue Farmland Value and Cash Rents Survey results. The average price of top-quality farmland reached $14,826 per acre, a 3.0% increase from June 2024. Statewide, cash rents increased from 1.5 to 1.7% for poor-, average-, and top-quality land.

Future of Ag Tech: A Conversation with Brant Caley

August 19, 2025

Brant Caley, an expert in ag tech, discusses his journey, from playing FFA basketball to working with companies like Trimble, Farmers Business Network (FBN), and now Gradable on this episode of the Purdue Commercial AgCast. The discussion covers the evolution of farm technology, sustainability in grain marketing, the future of agricultural technology – and the potential impact of emerging technologies like AI and LLMs.

Corn & Soybean Basis Weakens as Focus Shifts to New Crop

August 15, 2025

On Tuesday, the August WASDE report was released, which significantly increased the projected 25/26 corn supply and decreased the soybean supply. There were immediate effects in the futures market. September and December corn futures dropped by $0.13/bu, and September and November soybean futures increased by $0.21/bu. As we approach harvest, it is yet to be seen how this will affect the new crop basis.

Long-Run Cash Rent Spreadsheet Tool

August 13, 2025

Examine breakeven prices, earnings per acre, breakeven cash rents, and trends in working capital with this spreadsheet tool.

Flex Lease Computations Spreadsheet Tool

August 13, 2025

Need help setting a fair flexible lease agreement? This easy-to-use spreadsheet lets you plug in your own numbers—like crop budget line items, yields, and prices—to calculate lease rates and earnings per acre. Whether you’re negotiating a new agreement or comparing alternative, this tool helps take the guesswork out.

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Purdue Flexible Lease Workshop

September 16 at 7 pm or September 23 at 9 am

The Flexible Lease virtual Workshop, presented by the Purdue Extension Land Lease Team, will include a presentation and discussion to help you decide if a flexible land lease arrangement is right for your farm.

Faculty Speaking Events

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Center for Commercial Agriculture