financial health

Between rising inflation and the ups-and-downs of the stock market, it’s not surprising that folks are concerned about their own financial situation.  And financial literacy is one way to sooth all of this "money stress."   One Northwest-based credit union is trying to share these skills with people who need them, regardless of age, background or education.  Frank Alvarez a br... Read Mo

Why are some farmers doing fairly well in this farm economy, while other operations struggle, with some even slipping into bankruptcy?  Dale Nordquist, associate director at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Farm Financial Management, said contrary to what you might think, age has nothing to do with the success rate.   “...

The latest USDA farm income forecast has average net cash income for farm businesses dropping this year by almost 20%, the fourth yearly decline in a row.  USDA chief economist Rob Johansson said this is just one factor leading to what seems to be a drop in the general health of the farm sector. He ...

According to a recent USDA report, of the nearly two million households running a farm in the United States, a little more than half of those owners lose money on the operation.  Daniel Prager, USDA economist, says smaller farms are more likely to lose money.  He...

With hurricanes battering the East Coast and the South and wildfires through the Western half of the U.S., it’s important to be prepared for a natural disaster, but what do you need to know financially?   Lori Scharmer of North Dakota State University Extensions said the first thing you need to do is to make sure you check your insurance.   “...

The farm credit system is financially sound and able to handle loan money to farmers, but are producers in positions to borrow it?   Dallas Tonsager, CEO of Farm Credit Administration said he has concerns.   “Debt to asset levels are rising while net farm income is declining and crop prices are expected to remain weak.”   Many ...