FBN Resources

Having the right financing in place is key to ensuring that your operation runs smoothly and is financially stable, but applying for an Ag land loan can often feel like a complicated, stressful process.  Written by the FBN Finance loan agent team, Land Loans 101: Everything Farmers Need to Know About Securing Farm Land Financing is a new guide designed to demystify farm land loans and the loan application process.   [Click here or complete the short form below to unlock the free guide] The free guide answers many of the important questions farmers face when in the market for an ag land loan, including: What can I use a farm land loan for? What’s the advantage of working with different ag lenders? Which option may be better: fixed rates vs. variable rates? Is there a way to estimate my future land loan payments? Click here or complete the short form below to access the free guide. Copyright © 2014 - 2023 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. The sprout logo, “Farmers Business Network”, “FBN” are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. Terms and conditions apply. Land financing offered by FBN Finance, LLC, provided in connection with Farmer Mac and our underwriting partners, and is available only where FBN Finance, LLC is licensed. To qualify, a borrower must be a member of Farmer’s Business Network, Inc., and meet the underwriting requirements of FBN Finance, LLC and its lending partners. All credit is subject to approval and underwriting. Interest rates and fees will vary depending on your individual situation. Not all applicants will qualify.

Every field needs the right crop plan to maximize efficiency and profitability. While there are many elements that make up a complete and successful crop plan, the weed control portion of your plan should be one of your top priorities in order to finalize an effective weed control strategy before the start of the season. 1. Assess Your Weeds Identify weed species within each field Focus on the weeds that created problems for you last season, and determine the crop to be grown this year. Many herbicides can be used with several different crops, but some herbicides are crop specific. Consider last year’s weed populations Next, estimate the seed bank to be produced this season based on last season’s figures. For example, just one Palmer amaranth plant can produce 500,000 seeds. Even if you were to get 99.9% control, there could still be 500 Palmer Amaranth plants per acre remaining. Determine if your weeds are annual, biennial, or perennial Which weeds were a factor in your final yields last year? Knowing the weed’s life cycle helps you in herbicide selection and application timing.  Assess if your weeds are resistant to certain modes of action For example, if the weed you are trying to control is resistant to acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibiting herbicides, use another mode of action to get acceptable control. It’s possible that ALS herbicides may still be the best choice to give you good control of the other weed species found in the same field, so you might think about whether tank mixing herbicides could work for you to get more weed control. Make sure you’re also being mindful of the compatibility of the herbicides planned for tank mixing.  [READ: 7 Ways U.S. Farmers Can Delay Herbicide Weed Resistance] 2. Consider Your Herbicide Options  Remember crop safety Understanding variety characteristics and their herbicide interactions will help you to determine the best herbicide choice for your particular crop(s). This is an important step, so make sure it’s one of your top priorities in the herbicide selection process. Revisit last year’s herbicide rates  Did you receive a level of weed control that you were satisfied with this year? If your herbicide plan includes more of the same herbicides you used this year, purchasing them now at lower prices could help you save money and eliminate the possibility of searching for them in the spring. Consider overlapping residual herbicides for troublesome weeds with extended germination Consider making an application of overlapping residual herbicides for those troublesome weeds that have extended germination periods. This can be a reliable way to achieve good control on difficult, prolific weed species — the goal is to keep the field weed-free until crop canopy. Think about alternative products and methods upfront Some alternative products may help to control your weeds more efficiently. Combining mode of action herbicides can also help to improve your weed control results — this is simply good weed management. Ask yourself if tillage could be implemented to improve weed control. Read labels for “control” versus “suppression” of weeds Always read the herbicide label to be sure it says “control” of the weed. Select a herbicide that states it can help to control the specific weeds you have present.  If the label claims “suppression” of the weed, then you must expect some weed escapes that may be difficult to deal with. Selecting the least expensive herbicide may not be the most cost effective in the long run. Consider any chemical carry over issues Consider any chemical carry over issues that might be possible from past herbicides you have applied, as well as from the herbicides you’ve selected for next year. Be sure you know the Pre Harvest Interval (PHI) for each of the products you’ve chosen, and make certain that these products fit into your future cropping plan. [Explore herbicides, adjuvants and other crop protection products from FBN Direct®] 3. Apply Your Herbicides Time your application for the best control of each weed species Winter annual weeds should be treated in the fall unless tillage to remove them is planned for early spring. Less expensive growth regulators can often be applied for broadleaf control in the fall with reduced risk of off target damage . Keep in mind that application timing can also affect the price of the herbicide program, depending on when you plan to buy your chosen chem.   Always apply based on the label recommendations for each product Always read and follow the label use directions before using any ag chemical. The bottom line is that the label is the law. Use full rates to help reduce weed escapes By applying reduced rates of herbicide, you may be contributing to building up weed resistance to that herbicide. You should expect reduced weed control if you apply a reduced rate of herbicide. This can necessitate additional weed treatment application later in the season (which would increase your herbicide cost) and give you less effective weed control than you’re looking for. [WATCH: Post-Emergence Herbicide Applications Webinar with FBN Senior Staff Agronomist Doyle Oerter] Start Developing Your Herbicide Strategy  By following these steps, your herbicide plan can help you achieve maximum weed control even from the most difficult weeds. Once you’re ready to start purchasing the crop protection products you need to support your crop plan, here are a few next steps:    Brush up on the differences between branded and generic crop protection products . Review the FBN® Crop Protection Guide to see FBN ’s broad portfolio of high value, quality crop protection products. View all available herbicides and other key ag chem products from FBN Direct .  Copyright © 2014 - 2023 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, “Farmers Business Network”, “FBN”, “FBN Direct” , are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. FBN Direct products and services and other products distributed by FBN Direct are offered by FBN Inputs, LLC and are available only in states where FBN Inputs, LLC is licensed and where those products are registered for sale or use, if applicable. If applicable, please check with your local extension service to ensure registration status. Nothing contained on this page, including the prices listed should be construed as an offer for sale, or a sale of products. All products and prices are subject to change at any time and without notice. Terms and conditions apply. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. It is a violation of federal and state law to use any pesticide product other than in accordance with its label. The distribution, sale and use of an unregistered pesticide is a violation of federal and/or state law and is strictly prohibited. We do not guarantee the accuracy of any information provided on this page or which is provided by us in any form. It is your responsibility to confirm prior to purchase and use that a product is labeled for your specific purposes, including, but not limited to, your target crop or pest and its compatibility with other products in a tank mix and that the usage of a product is otherwise consistent with federal, state and local laws. We reserve the right to restrict sales on a geographic basis in our sole discretion. You must have a valid applicator license to use restricted use pesticides. Please consult your state department of agriculture for complete rules and regulations on the use of restricted use pesticides, as some products require specific record-keeping requirements. All product recommendations and other information provided is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for consulting the product label or for specific agronomic, business, or professional advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified advisor. Neither Farmer's Business Network Inc. nor any of its affiliates makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in the material and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed.

Between the 24/7 demands of running an agricultural operation and the blinding pace of our world today, there is little time to sift through all the headlines. The good news is that you no longer have to! Our goal is to point you to some of the most important headlines in agriculture, so you can stay informed on the forces shaping your livelihoods. To save you time, here are the week's top links and news items: Top news 1. How Pricey Are Cash Rents? Per acre rents are at all-time highs. However, there are other ways to consider overall land costs. This link takes a look at rents on a per-bushel basis and as a percentage of gross farm income.  Both measures suggest that overall cash rents are not at historical highs, due to productivity gains and strong commodity prices.  Does this mean that there are further increases in store for producers?  Watch for commodity prices to continue to be the strongest influence on the cash rent market. 2. Heifers on Feed Indicate Long-Term Liquidation Still Occuring The size of the beef herd decreased in 2022 due to drought conditions and strong demand for beef.  During periods of contraction producers sell more heifer calves. This increases the producer's income today, but contributes to further shrinking of the beef herd.  With fewer cows, we will have fewer feeder cattle, and lower total beef production. This is supportive to beef prices going forward.  This link combines the historical quarterly percentage of heifers on feed and cattle inventory report to show where herd numbers are heading.  3. Egg Prices Have Soared 60% in a Year. Here Is Why They Are So Expensive The single greatest factor contributing to higher egg prices is avian influenza. The current outbreak is the deadliest of all time, leading to egg inventories 29% lower than a year ago .  Despite increased biosecurity measures, avian flu has been difficult to prevent due to the wild birds that spread the virus as they migrate.  However, we can expect consumers to see high prices after the outbreak due to other contributing factors, such as inflation and higher input costs for producers. 4. New Year's Resolution: Good Grain Marketing Habits The last two years have rewarded producers who have waited to market their crop until the following year.  History suggests that this is not the best method to sell at market highs. In 7 out of the 10 previous crop years, the highest prices were found when selling in the spring or summer before harvest .  Selling a crop before the bushels are in the bin can be uncomfortable. However, history suggests that commodity prices typically hover close to the cost of production.  Accordingly, this link asks producers to consider whether it is more likely for prices to increase or decrease. 5. Chessboard of Producers This link utilizes a series of nice graphics to provide an overview of the cow/calf sector. As of the most recent Ag Census, there are approximately 729,000 operations running 31.7 million cows .  While the vast majority of operations manage fewer than 200 cows , the majority of cows are found in larger operations. Smaller operations also tend to have a much higher reliance on off-farm income and higher likelihood of exiting the business within the next five years. The data point to the conclusion that there is a wide disparity in the goals of cow/calf producers.  Because of this, industry leaders and legislators have a tremendous challenge in implementing policy to promote the cow/calf sector. Get in touch If you have any links you'd like to share or have any questions, please contact Travis Carlstrom, Sr. Ag Credit Analyst at FBN. © 2015-2023 Farmer’s Business Network, Inc. All rights reserved. The sprout logo, “Farmers Business Network,” and “FBN” are registered service marks of Farmer’s Business Network, Inc. or its affiliates and are used with permission. The material provided is for information purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific professional advice. Neither Farmer’s Business Network nor any of its affiliates makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in the material and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed. The information and opinions expressed by others in this material are their own and are not endorsed or approved by FBN or its affiliates. 

Our ‘Why I Chose  FBN ’ series features stories from employees across different roles, teams, and geographies on how they got to  FBN , what it’s like to work here, and how their teams help fulfill our mission of putting Farmers First®. When did you join FBN , what is your current role at FBN , where are you based, and what are your responsibilities?  I joined FBN a little over a year ago, in September 2021. I joined as the Senior Talent Sourcer, and my responsibility, initially, was to go out and find talent in the market. I would search and find passive talent, especially for our hard-to-fill jobs, whether it’s a niche skillset or a difficult market or just a really competitive role (software engineers or drivers, for example). My job has since evolved to continuing sourcing, but now also doing full-cycle recruiting. I’m based in Dallas, Texas. What was your previous work experience before joining FBN ?  I have only ever been a recruiter. That’s all I’ve done since I graduated college. I love it! I love talent acquisition. I love hiring people and building strong teams for organizations, so I’ve been recruiting for the better part of a decade. Actually, this is my 10th year. What did you first find compelling about FBN that led you to want to learn more?  I was very happy in my job, and I was not looking nor was I interested in changing jobs. A friend of mine worked at FBN and she kept telling me that I needed to talk to this company. She kept saying, “Just have one conversation.” Once I had the conversation, I found that the one thing FBN offered that my other employer did not was meaning - being attached to something that mattered in the world. In my mind, there’s nothing as wholesome as supporting family farmers. Having just had my first child, I cared a lot about the food that went into her body and where it came from, so it really resonated with me that I could be a part of an organization that’s supporting those farmers. Why did you ultimately decide to join FBN ? What did this thought process look like for you?  Because I was really happy in my other company, it was a tough decision. I wasn’t looking, and I wasn’t really planning on taking an offer. Ultimately, I decided that leaving something I was really comfortable with was worth the risk to join an organization that was in its early stages, had a lot of growth opportunity, and had a mission that I could connect to more than my previous employer. Also, the people. Everybody that I spoke to was very progressive and forward-thinking, and they really care about the organization. They were also just kind people. It was really lovely to talk to people who weren’t jerks - haha! There were no egos on the team. All of those things factored into the decision.  Now that you’ve joined, how would you describe life at FBN ?  The people are wonderful. They’re the best people I’ve ever worked with. They’re the kind of people that I actually want to go to happy hour with after work. Before, I would say yes to happy hours out of obligation or I would avoid the events at all costs, but now I’m the one organizing the events because I really love the people that I work with. It’s also very challenging, but in a way that helps you grow. Not in a way where I’m getting burnt out or beat down or overworked, but in a way where challenges are new to me and I get to learn to do things in a new way. It’s helping me grow a lot as a professional.  What kind of impact are you and your team having on the company’s future?  Recruiting at any organization is very impactful, because you’re building the team. People are literally the lifeblood of the organization, so we get to be very strategic in our role.  We get to have a lot of influence on why someone should or shouldn’t be considered for a role, or even why a position might not be what the team needs. We can partner together with hiring managers and think through what skillsets are needed, and therefore what roles are truly needed, to help build a stronger team. I think that building strong teams is the impact we’re having.  How does FBN’s mission come to life in your day-to-day work? How does your work positively impact farmers?  We get to hire for really interesting roles - roles that I never would have hired for at any organization prior to working in Ag. We hired a Beef Specialist, a title I never would have heard of before. We’re hiring people who are supporting farmers. We see every single day in the interviews we conduct that people really care about not just the farmers, but the entire agriculture industry.  I love seeing the wholesomeness of wanting to support farmers. People really do have that genuine desire, and it’s very heartwarming. Everybody resonates with it! Because it’s not just the food, it’s our energy, it’s our clothing, it’s everything. Ag is an industry that we literally couldn’t survive without.  We know you have a life outside of work - what kinds of things do you do for fun?  I have a toddler now, and we’re expecting another. So our life right now really revolves around kids. We really enjoy being outside. We love to go on walks, have picnics, explore the city, try new restaurants, and find new parks.  What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone considering FBN ? If you’re somebody who’s hungry for growth and you want to be part of something that matters, this is a great place for you. In a startup organization, you’re going to be challenged in new ways. There is very little red tape, so you have a lot of ability to create and innovate in ways that I certainly haven’t had the freedom to do in the past. Come into it with a very open mind and a hunger and drive to make things better for your organization, for farmers, and for yourself. What is one thing you are looking forward to in the future at FBN ?  I’m so excited to see where we grow. We went through a really rapid growth period, and now we’re in a “sustain” period, if you will. But we are organically growing and it’s really nice to see, so I’m excited to see where we expand, or if we do expand into other countries. I love seeing how farmers really connect with our business and hearing those success stories, like at Farmer2Farmer. Those are the things that I get excited about seeing more of. Want to work for FBN ? Outstanding companies are built by outstanding people. The  FBN  team goes to work everyday to ensure farmers stay profitable while they feed the world. Learn more about the  open roles available  at  FBN. Copyright © 2014 - 2023 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, Farmers First flag logo, "Farmers Business Network," "FBN," and "Farmers First" are registered trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Terms and conditions apply.

Farmers Business Network ( FBN ), the global AgTech platform and farmer-to-farmer network today announced FBN Livestock has partnered with Boveta Nutrition ​​ to deliver a proprietary feeding system for beef cattle that improves feed efficiency and carcass yield while reducing methane gas emissions and wet waste. “With our optimized feeding algorithms, producers get more planned beef production from less feed, meaning a reduction in costs and an increase in profit potential,” says Rod Jones, co-founder and chairman of Boveta Nutrition. “In addition, beef cattle that follow the Boveta diet see a reduction in methane gas production.” Boveta Nutrition’s optimized feed formulation ensures nutrients are being delivered more precisely so cattle consume less feed yet maintain, or even increase, their gain or milk production. Ben Row, farm manager at Talcott Land and Cattle outside of Lincoln, Nebraska, participated in an FBN- managed independent study of the Amino balancing program. “Our cost of gain is around $0.71 now. We were at about $1.20 before so that’s a big drop. Plus, the health of the cattle and their overall performance has gone up greatly,” says Row. “Everything is growing better because it’s the right nutrition to grow them the right way.” “Amino acid balancing has been a standard nutritional practice in the swine and poultry industries to drive margin and animal growth but we haven't been able to solve the riddle with beef cattle until now,” says FBN Senior Ruminant Nutritionist Dr. Monty Kerley. “After decades, we finally believe we’re able to deliver this solution to beef producers and its unique potential to decrease feed costs while maintaining optimal growth.” The proprietary algorithm from Boveta is initially available to FBN cattle operators in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, North Dakota and South Dakota, with plans to expand nationally and internationally. A team of experienced FBN nutritionists, led by Dr. Kerley, will help bring the industry-leading system to the market.  "With feed costs on the rise, we know just how important it is to bring an innovation to this sector that truly benefits our livestock producers. We’re thrilled to be partnering with Boveta to help change the beef feed industry," says Luiz Beling, president of FBN Direct®. Boveta has conducted a series of research studies and found: Backgrounding cattle on a forage diet showed a $0.20/lb. cost of gain advantage when on Boveta’s balanced diet supplement. [1]  Cattle on Boveta’s amino acid balanced finishing diet consumed 15% less feed, maintained daily gain, delivering an average savings of $0.07 per pound gained. [2]  A large commercial feedlot study produced a $30/head advantage for steers on the Boveta diet. [3] “Our studies clearly demonstrate the economic benefits of our system. It’s exciting because we’re delivering on our goal of enabling livestock operations to function more efficiently and profitably while minimizing feed waste and lowering the environmental footprint of meat and milk production,” says Greg Mills, president and CEO of Boveta Nutrition. The Boveta optimized diet improves income over feed costs and reduces methane by 8-12%. In addition, roughage can be scaled back from beef feedlot diets to further decrease input costs and reduce methane up to 30% or more in a healthy and practical way.  The reduction in feed costs is significant for many ranchers who continue to face higher fertilizer and corn prices. According to the USDA Economic Research Service, prices for beef cattle feed were up 16% in May 2022 relative to May 2021.  FBN nutritionists are offering a feed consultation to assess each operation's unique needs and provide the correct supplement to optimize gains. Click here for more information. To review the entire beef and dairy study results, visit boveta.com . For more information or for media inquiries, please contact media@farmersbusinessnetwork.com Sources: 1) “Balancing the Amino Acid Requirements of Backgrounding Calves Increases Profits,” October 1, 2020 – September 30, 2021. Boveta research under grant from the United Soybean Board: Report Date: October 29, 2021  2) “Balancing Corn-based Diets with Soybean Protein to Meet Amino Acid Requirements Improves the Growth Performance of Finishing Beef Calves,” Boveta research under grant from the United Soybean Board: Report Date: November 4, 2022.   3) “Effect of Formulating Diets for Amino Acid Requirement on Performance and Carcass Value of Beef Cattle in Feedlots,” Boveta/Johnson research trial 2019-2020. Copyright © 2014 - 2023 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, “Farmers Business Network”, “FBN”, "Farmers First" and “FBN Direct” are trademarks or registered trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc.  Testimonials are not indicative of future performance or success. Results may vary. FBN merchandise was provided in recognition of testimonials. Member was told in advance they might be featured in an ad. Animal performance is not guaranteed. Changes in composition of feeds, methods of feeding, environment and general management will affect performance.

Collecting and analyzing data is a key factor of success for modern farmers. Almost 86% of farmers said that they want to use data tools that will make their operations more profitable (1). And of course, who doesn’t want to be more profitable?  But another interesting use case for data analysis is for crop insurance benefits or payment reductions. 77% of farmers said this is an incentive for collecting and sharing data.  What is precision ag? Precision ag is a way to record the events you’re doing in your fields. These days, a lot of new machines will record  all of the activities you’re doing in your field and provide you with data to analyze. But there are still a number of machines where you need to input your data in order to record what’s going on in the field based on GPS data.  So how can you use the data that’s captured? The raw data won’t be much good unless you have a way to analyze it. That’s where some of our free tools will be able to help you make sense of all this useful data.  Benefits of precision ag  Convenience Don’t let the data that you’re already capturing go to waste. You can upload your data from multiple displays and is compatible with multiple FMS products into your FBN® account.  Save time and money With more accurate data, you’ll always insure exactly what you plant and increase your APH while lowering your premium. And you’ll have fewer records to take care of when adjusting a loss. So reporting a claim will take less time and allow you to get back to your operation.  How much money can I save? As your APH data gets more accurate, so do your claims. This means farmers are saving 4% on their crop insurance premiums by using their precision ag data. If you’re reporting fewer acres, this results in a higher reported yield. The higher adjusted APH could help you at claim time.  The higher guarantee as a result of an improved APH will be the first dollars that are paid in a loss situation. [WATCH: Data Driven Insurance: Using Data to Make Informed Decisions] How to use precision data Acreage and production reporting Use the data you are already collecting for required crop insurance reporting after planting and harvest.  Claims Using just three precision records, your adjuster can adjust a loss in a fraction of the time. APH Reviews Use your electronic precision records for supporting a review to save time, provide the most accurate data available, and improve record organization. Trust and privacy One of the biggest pain points farmers face is knowing which system to use for data analysis. There’s an overabundance of software on the market and it can be difficult to decide which tool offers the best reports.  But for many farmers, there’s also concerns about how their data will be collected and used.  Ag Data Transparent FBN is proud to be certified as Ag Data Transparent (ADT). We have always put Farmers First® and want to be open and transparent about the data we collect. Being certified ADT affirms our data and analytics services are private and secure.  [READ: Are You Confident in Your Crop Insurance Coverage?] Need a second opinion on your crop insurance? With a range of tools that provide a virtual snapshot of what risk looks like in your area and on your farm, our team utilizes more than 30 years of data and  FBN  insights to compare different scenarios and see how they would work for you. Click here  to learn more about our expert agents and data-backed approach to crop insurance. Resources (1) - Farmer Perspectives on Data 2021 Copyright © 2014 - 2023 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights reserved. "Farmers Business Network", "FBN", “FBN Direct”, "Farmers First" and the Farmers First flag logo are registered service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. We are an Equal Opportunity Provider. FBN Crop Insurance services are offered by FBN Insurance LLC (dba FBN Insurance Solutions Services LLC in Texas, and FBN Insurance Solutions LLC in California and Michigan) and are only available where FBN Insurance LLC is licensed. FBN membership is not required to purchase through FBN Insurance LLC, but certain features are only available to FBN members. FBN Crop Insurance is currently offered in the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY.

Cold weather can pose significant risks on the farm, affecting people and equipment. Common winter incidents on a farm include slips, falling from heights such as grain bins, trucks or equipment, hypothermia and drowning. By taking steps to mitigate these risks, farmers can protect themselves, their workers, and their equipment from harm while continuing to operate safely and efficiently during the winter months. Here are five tips to think about when planning your day during the winter months:  1. Continuously Monitor Weather Conditions Monitor weather conditions throughout the day. Take steps to protect people and equipment from weather conditions before they become severe. Most locations have limited daylight hours during winter months which makes planning critical. It's important to know when to delay operations as conditions like high wind, extremely low temperature, snow, ice and sleet increase the risk of accidents occurring. There are free services available to help with continuous monitoring like the National Weather Service, Severe Weather Monitor website and  The 5 best free weather apps for iPhone and Android .  2. Be Prepared  Work chores on the farm don’t stop because of cold weather. Some items to think about before you could be caught or stranded in cold weather include:  Do you have a winter survival kit?  Some items to consider are:  Windshield scraper Flashlight with extra batteries First aid kit Extra water Snack food Matches and candles Necessary medications Survival blanket Booster cables Tow rope Shovel Extra clothing Emergency reflectors Distress flag If using equipment, do you have enough gas? Try to keep gas tanks full.  Tell someone before you leave your regulator route. Keep in regular contact with people who are working in poor weather conditions.  Clearly mark water bodies that may be covered in ice.  Are walkways clear and free of slips, trips and fall hazards? Is it safe to use a four-wheeler in the current weather conditions?  Are you ready for power failures? Huddle up at the start of the day and have a safety discussion on what to do if someone becomes stranded.  3. Understand the Signs and Symptoms of Cold Weather Illnesses  One of the most significant ways in which cold weather can negatively impact risk on the farm is by increasing the chances of hypothermia and frostbite. These conditions occur when the body is unable to maintain a normal temperature, leading to a range of symptoms including numbness, tingling and loss of consciousness. Wind chill is an important factor to consider when planning outdoor work. The National Weather Service has a Wind Chill Chart that can assist you with planning outdoor work. You should also consider the physical demands of the work being performed in cold conditions to ensure there are periods to take a break and warm-up out of the elements. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has additional information on cold weather illnesses, Winter Weather: Plan. Equip. Train .  4. Have Warm Clothing and Cold Weather Gear Farmers and their workers should take steps to stay warm, such as wearing warm clothing, taking frequent breaks to warm up and stay dry. Adding layers of clothing gives options as you warm up and cool off while working. You lose a lot of heat through your head in extreme cold. Wear headgear that covers your head, ears and provides protection for your face like a jacket with a hood. If possible, wear a water-resistant coat and boots. Insulated and heated clothing, gloves, socks and boots are options to consider and will help protect from hypothermia and frostbite. I’m from New Zealand so this “Kiwi” wears wool jumpers and socks in cold weather, as wool insulates even when wet. 10 Essential Pieces of Cold Weather Gear for Farmers 5. Under Equipment Differences  Another way in which cold weather can increase risk on the farm is by making it more difficult to operate equipment. Cold temperatures can cause equipment to be hard to start and ice plugs can form, thus making it difficult to operate equipment. Additionally, cold weather can cause batteries to lose power more quickly, making it difficult to keep equipment running. To mitigate these risks, farmers should take steps to protect their equipment from the cold, such as storing equipment in a warm, dry place and keeping equipment in good working order. Winter is an ideal time to inspect your equipment and perform maintenance.  In addition, farm equipment can become dangerous to operate during the winter in the ice and snow. Braking can become difficult, roads can be slick and traction can become sporadic. Further, loads can become unbalanced quickly. Pre-plan trips with equipment and make sure the weather conditions allow for safe travel and operation.  A farmer's job is never done. Make it a point to discuss risks on the farm during winter months to keep you, your family and workers safe. Additional Resources Winter and Cold Weather Safety Tips on the Farm  Preventing Cold-Related Illnesses in Agricultural Workers  Safe Equipment Operation During the Winter Copyright © 2014 - 2023 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, “Farmers Business Network”, “FBN”, "Farmers First" and “FBN Direct” are trademarks or registered trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. 

Utilizing the right financing options available is incredibly important to all farming operations. Having the right financing in place is key to ensuring that your operation runs smoothly and is financially stable. As such, the relationship between an ag operation and its lender is quite important. While working with a single lender for all of your financing needs can build a strong and effective working relationship, there are real benefits to working with several lenders that should not go overlooked. Here are six advantages of why you may want to work with multiple lenders:  Having a Backup Lender Ready : If something were to change at your primary lender that could impact or alter the terms of your financing agreements, it can be very beneficial to have another lender with whom you are already familiar in order to make any necessary pivots. Multiple Experts: One of the most undervalued products lenders provide is advice. The more lenders that you interact with, the more wisdom you will have access to. Increased Flexibility : Maintaining multiple lending relationships provides a greater variety of options and overall flexibility. Because not all lenders carry the same offerings, having access to numerous lenders increases the avenues to capital at your disposal. Lender Specialty : Various lenders have different focuses, whether it be on operating loans , equipment, land loans , other capital opportunities or a specific industry. Borrowing from specialized lenders can be a good way to ensure you are getting the best solution for your unique needs. Varying Structures and Offerings : Different lenders will offer different rate and term options on their products. Working with multiple lenders can empower you to find what fits your operation the best.  Competition : Having multiple lending relationships allows you to obtain the best possible financing. If a lender wants your business and senses you are talking to other options they are likely to enhance their offer to you in the hope that you will work with them. Choosing who you work with to finance your operation is very important. At FBN ® Finance , it is our mission to maximize the potential of your operation.  Our loan advisor team would be happy to talk to you about your current farm finances, any opportunities for optimization, or any other questions you want to discuss. With an average of 15+ years of Ag finance experience, FBN loan advisors understand your needs, as many are farmers themselves! They are well-equipped to make sure you get the solution that best fits your needs.  Click here or complete the form below to get started. Copyright © 2014 - 2023 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, and “FBN” are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc.  Terms and conditions apply. FBN Finance, LLC commercial operating lines of credit are offered by FBN Finance, LLC and are available only where FBN Finance, LLC is licensed. Equipment financing provided by Ritchie Bros. Financial Services, Ltd. and TCF National Bank. Land financing provided in connection with Farmer Mac. Input financing provided in connection with our financing partners. To qualify for a financing offer, a borrower must be a member of Farmer’s Business Network, Inc. and meet the underwriting requirements of FBN Finance, LLC and its lending partners. All credit is subject to approval and underwriting. Interest rates and fees will vary depending on your individual situation. Not all applicants will qualify.

FBN to invest in Greeneye Technology Precision Spraying System and partner as a sales channel to fuel U.S. growth. FBN will sell Greeneye systems with new customized crop protection and nutrition packages to reduce costs and drive ROI for growers. In 2022 comprehensive FBN on-farm field trials, Greeneye’s precision spraying system reduced herbicide use by an average of 86%. Greeneye and FBN Announce Strategic Collaboration Agreement Greeneye Technology, the pioneer of AI precision ag spraying technology, and Farmers Business Network (FBN) , the global AgTech platform and farmer-to-farmer network, today announced they have entered into a long-term strategic collaboration agreement to help farmers reduce weed control costs and drive profitability by combining Greeneye’s retrofit precision spraying systems and FBN ’s Precision Spraying Packs – customized crop protection and nutrition plans which FBN is developing for use specifically with the Greeneye technology – and financing offerings. The program will launch first in the U.S. for the 2024 growing season. Also as part of the agreement announced today, FBN has led Greeneye’s current investment round through a significant investment which will fuel Greeneye’s growth and expansion in the U.S. market and beyond. On-Farm Field Trialing Results Last year, as a participant in FBN ’s Innovators Research League, one of the largest on-farm field trial programs in North America, the Greeneye system reduced non-residual herbicide use by an average of 86%, while achieving the same weed control efficacy and crop yield as traditional broadcast spraying. FBN will continue robust on-farm trials and data gathering to develop Precision Spraying Packs, combinations of crop protection, biologicals, and adjuvants for use with the Greeneye System to optimize both efficacy and cost-saving. FBN will also offer financing for both the Greeneye system and its Precision Spraying Packs.  [Interested in participating in future field trials? Learn more about the FBN Innovators Research League and sign up for upcoming trials here.] University of Nebraska-Lincoln Field Trial Results A field trial undertaken by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Agricultural Research Division (ARD) last summer also found that the Greeneye system: showed a 94% reduction in burndown herbicide use during pre-emergence spraying compared to broadcast application. showed an 87% reduction in non-residual herbicide use during post-emergence spraying compared to broadcast application. represented an overall cost saving to farmers of more than 60% while achieving the same, or similar, levels of efficacy compared to broad spraying. What This Strategic Collaboration Means for Farmers “The core mission of FBN is to drive farmer ROI potential. Whether that is through transparent list pricing, analytics, financing, direct to farm eCommerce or R&D - FBN is at its core a technology company that solves problems for our farmer members," said Matt Meisner, Vice President of R&D and Data Science at FBN . "Our Innovators Research League on-farm field trial program rigorously tests the best new ag technologies in real world conditions. Our trial results showed that Greeneye’s technology offers truly game changing potential for cost reduction and ROI. We're very excited to invest in and formalize our relationship with Greeneye Technology. This marks a new era for combining precision spraying with intelligent input crop protection and commerce." The partnership with FBN opens up an important new sales channel for Greeneye, and is expected to accelerate the company’s leadership in the U.S precision spraying market, following its commercial launch last year. Greeneye has allocated dozens of systems for sale to FBN farmers in 2024, with the intention to significantly increase availability in the following season. The Greeneye system harnesses proprietary AI technology in combination with cutting-edge hardware to unlock the advantages of precision spraying for farmers by overcoming previous barriers to adoption, including cost, speed and efficacy. It is suitable for both pre- and post-emergence applications, and it is designed to seamlessly integrate with any brand or size of commercial sprayer, removing the need for farmers to invest in costly new machines. In addition, its unique dual line/tank configuration enables precisions broadcast spraying to be carried out simultaneously, significantly increasing both productivity and efficacy. Demand for the Greeneye system has been so high that all available units for 2023 were allocated by the end of last year. Nadav Bocher, co-founder and CEO of Greeneye Technology, added, “Today’s announcement marks a major milestone in Greeneye and FBN ’s shared mission to unlock the profit potential precision spraying offers growers. At Greeneye, we passionately believe the true value of precision spraying lies in the intersection between chemical reduction and cost savings, and the improvements in efficacy and yield that are achieved by precisely applying the best product to ensure ultimate weed control. For that we could not have asked for a better partner than FBN .” Click here for more information about the FBN -Greeneye Precision Spraying Program. For more information or for media inquiries, please contact media@farmersbusinessnetwork.com Copyright © 2014 - 2023 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, “Farmers Business Network”, “FBN” are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. FBN Direct products and services and other products distributed by FBN Direct are offered by FBN Inputs, LLC and are available only in states where FBN Inputs, LLC is licensed and where those products are registered for sale or use, if applicable. If applicable, please check with your local extension service to ensure registration status. Nothing contained on this page, including the prices listed should be construed as an offer for sale, or a sale of products. All products and prices are subject to change at any time and without notice. Terms and conditions apply. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. It is a violation of federal and state law to use any pesticide product other than in accordance with its label. The distribution, sale and use of an unregistered pesticide is a violation of federal and/or state law and is strictly prohibited. We do not guarantee the accuracy of any information provided on this page or which is provided by us in any form. It is your responsibility to confirm prior to purchase and use that a product is labeled for your specific purposes, including, but not limited to, your target crop or pest and its compatibility with other products in a tank mix and that the usage of a product is otherwise consistent with federal, state and local laws. We reserve the right to restrict sales on a geographic basis in our sole discretion. You must have a valid applicator license to use restricted use pesticides. Please consult your state department of agriculture for complete rules and regulations on the use of restricted use pesticides, as some products require specific record-keeping requirements.

We’re excited to be welcoming new members coming to FBN® from Attebury Grain . If you need the app to access your scale tickets, contracts, and Attebury bids – you can get it here . At FBN, we’ve been working with farmers and their data since 2014 and we know you care about how your data is used and shared. That’s why we take protecting your data seriously. Please visit our Data Hub to learn about our commitments to protecting our member’s data. Below are some FAQs we’ve put together that will help you better understand some questions you probably have right now, as well as some you may have as you begin to use the app. You can view more FAQs related to using the app, here . Attebury & FBN FAQs How do I access my Attebury contracts and scale tickets in the FBN app? Do I need to create an FBN Account to access my Attebury data in the app? How does FBN use my data? Can Attebury access the data I add to my FBN account? Who can I talk to if I have questions? How do I get access to my Attebury sales data in the FBN app? Go to the Attebury landing page in the FBN App and follow the prompts. This is a special process only available for Attebury growers. So please follow these three steps to successfully connect your Attebury account with FBN . Enter the mobile phone number used for your Attebury account and you’ll be sent a text message with a verification code. That code is crucial for initiating a step-by-step FBN account setup. Use the code to verify your phone number, then click the button to install the FBN app. When you first open the app, you’ll see a special page for Attebury customers. Click “Connect with Attebury” and that will initiate the connection of your Attebury account to your FBN account. Do I need to create an FBN account to view my Attebury sales data in the app? Yes. If you would like to view your Attebury sales data through the FBN App, you’ll need to follow the steps above to get started with the FBN App. FBN membership is free, and you are not obligated to buy anything from FBN or contribute any other data. What is the value of becoming an FBN Member? The FBN Network was launched in 2014 by a handful of farmers as an independent, unbiased and objective farmer-driven information source. By providing  data to FBN , farmers gain access to the FBN Network, an anonymized and aggregated data analytics platform that enables farmers to make better decisions on their farms. Today FBN is a continually growing network of tens of thousands of farmers using 100% anonymous data-sharing & unbiased benchmarking to gain valuable and trustworthy insights on virtually all aspects of their farm operations including, optimal farm practices, seed performance, inputs pricing and commodity markets. The FBN Network also provides business specific tools that allow farmers to put their own data to use in managing their business operations. How does FBN use my data? FBN takes data privacy & protection seriously– and is committed to only using data only to return value back to members. Read more about the FBN Data Protection Commitments . Some specific ways FBN uses your data include, but are not limited to the actions listed below, which are required to provide you with the benefits of the FBN Network: Creating your FBN account Providing you with FBN Network features, such as access to the Crop Marketing platform where you can view bids based on your geographic location, manage your production data while viewing additional at-a-glance details like target breakeven and percent contracted & available. And if you sell to commercial buyers who have partnered with FBN, you can also submit offers directly to their merchandisers/buyers, view your contracts, scale tickets & settlements, and eSign contracts. Providing operational and technical support, including improving or enhancing our products and services to you Communicating with you, such as sending you electronic notifications regarding your grain bid and offers, and for marketing purposes such as offering products and services to you in accordance with applicable law. Conducting research and analytics that help our FBN Members make better decisions on their farms Complying with our legal and regulatory requirements Protecting the rights, property, safety or security of the FBN Network, our FBN Members, employees or others and prevent fraud or illegal activity Enforcing or applying the FBN Terms of Service . Can Attebury access the data I add to my FBN account? No. FBN does not and will not share data you add to your account with third parties, including Attebury. Attebury can only see the offers you submit directly to their merchandising team.  Who can I talk to if I have questions? Feel free to reach out to either FBN or Attebury with any questions you may have. If you have questions about the app or need help getting started, reach out to the FBN Success Team for Attebury Growers. FBN App Support| p: (605) 307-9914 | app-support@farmersbusinessnetwork.com   If your questions are specific to Attebury or your Attebury account, please reach out to: Matt Gruhlkey | p: (806) 242-3517 | mgruhlkey@attebury.com FBN Market Advisory services  are offered by FBN BR LLC - NFA ID: 0508695.   Disclaimer: Please note that FBN merely serves to facilitate your communication with third party grain buyers and not as your agent or a party to any contract you enter into with any grain buyer. FBN has no control over, or liability for, the delivery, quality, prices, payment, legality or any other aspect of any grain transaction between you and a third party grain buyer. Neither FBN or any of its affiliates are responsible for ensuring that any third party grain buyer you transact with will complete the transaction or is authorized to do so. If you experience a problem with any goods or services purchased from, or sold to, a third party grain buyer using the FBN website or mobile application, or if you have a dispute with such a third party grain buyer, you should resolve the dispute directly with that third party grain buyer. All information, publications, and reports, including this specific material, used and distributed by FBN BR LLC shall be construed as a solicitation. FBN BR LLC does not distribute research reports, employ research analysts, or maintain a research department as defined in CFTC Regulation 1.71. For the purposes of quality assurance and compliance, phone calls to and from FBN BR LLC may be recorded.  Contact 877-472-4607 for more information. Copyright © 2014-2023 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. "Farmers Business Network," "FBN," and "Farmers First" are registered trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.