Purdue Commercial AgCast

Contingency Planning with Cash Flow Shortages

As cash flows from the farm operation become tighter due to COVID-19 and weaker commodity prices, it is necessary to find other funds to help pay for asset purchases or delay asset purchases, and to repay debt. On this episode, Purdue agricultural economists Michael Langemeier and Brady Brewer discuss contingency planning, a course of action designed to help a business determine how to respond to possible future events. Contingency plans are often referred to as “Plan B”.

The article referenced in this episode can be found at https://ag.purdue.edu/commercialag/home/sub-articles/2020/04/contingency-planning-with-cash-flow-shortages/. 

What the Food Value Chain has Learned and Should Apply Post COVID-19

COVID-19 has sent shock waves throughout the world, challenging every aspect of life. During this time of great tragedy and uncertainty, the concepts of communication, distance, work, food, and even shopping are suddenly being redefined. Purdue ag economists Allan Gray and Brady Brewer examine many aspects of agricultural business from the design of supply chains to impacts on consumer buying behaviors to the future of international trade. 

The article, Potential Learnings and Changes for a Post-COVID-19 Food and Agribusiness Industry, discussed in this episode can be found at https://agribusiness.purdue.edu/potential-learnings-and-changes-for-a-post-covid-19-food-and-agribusiness-industry/.

Agricultural Finance and Credit Update

Agricultural finance topics such as farm income, equity, debt, federal reserve policy, bank positioning, and credit analysis are covered. Purdue ag economists Jason Henderson and Brady Brewer discuss the current agricultural finance conditions affecting farms and agricultural lenders.

April Ag Barometer Drops Below 100 as Coronavirus Disrupts Agriculture

Coronavirus concerns, commodity price declines, and supply-chain disruptions sink producer sentiment to a three-year low. Purdue ag economists Michael Langemeier and James Mintert discuss the April Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. The Ag Economy Barometer is based on responses from 400 U.S. agricultural producers and this month’s survey was conducted from April 19-24, 2020. Learn more at https://purdue.ag/agbarometer.

Update on the Livestock & Meat Situation

Pork and beef packing plant shutdowns along with reductions in demand from the hotel, restaurant, and institutional sector have disrupted U.S. meat and livestock markets. Purdue ag economists Jayson Lusk and James Mintert review the resulting dramatic shifts in pork and beef production along with the impact these shifts have had on U.S. wholesale beef and pork prices as well as prices for cattle and hogs. Charts are available at https://purdue.ag/2YdlbEF.