Mikaela Tierney

With so many tasks requiring your constant attention as a farmer running a demanding business, it’s easy to put operational to-dos on the back-burner… but these tasks can often be some of the most important and time-sensitive.  Here are a few financial priorities to consider keeping top of mind this month:  1. Watch for Interest Rate Changes Following the March Fed Meeting The Federal Reserve holds eight scheduled meetings annually to examine and adjust interest rates; the next meeting will be held on March 21 & 22.  Following the public announcement of each meeting’s outcome, FBN publishes a recap of interest rate adjustments, future expectations, and actionable perspectives from FBN Chief Economist Kevin McNew. Stay tuned for that post soon on the FBN Blog ! [Click here to catch up on FBN’s recap of the most recent January Fed meeting.] 2. Conduct Equipment Maintenance Before Planting Begins  Before you begin planning your planting logistics and getting out into the field this season, it’s important to make sure your equipment is ready. Prioritizing equipment maintenance and making adjustments to get the best planting results — before you plant every field — pays off in the long run.  Does your planter need to be serviced — or even replaced? Should you consider leasing instead of buying farm equipment this season? Equipment purchases can be a sizable investment. Take the time to consider your options now to avoid potential challenges later in the season.  [READ: 10 Things to Keep in Mind at Planting] 3. Finalize Your Insurance Coverage  If you haven’t finalized your crop insurance for this season yet, now is the time to lock in your coverage — there are only a few days remaining before the approaching deadline. The insurance sales closing date for spring planted crops (such as corn, soybeans, cotton, grain sorghum, rice, spring wheat and spring barley) is generally March 15.  When selecting coverage, make sure you’re securing a policy that’s the right fit for your operation. Having the wrong level of insurance coverage can have an immense impact on your bottom line long term — you could be overpaying on premiums year after year or under-compensating for risk, leaving your operation exposed in difficult years. [WATCH: The FBN Crop Insurance team explains why 2023 is a unique year for crop insurance, how global grain markets are looking for the coming months, and how to select appropriate supplemental coverage for your operation.] 4. Assess the Future Value of Your Farmland  Many things have changed in the farm economy in recent months. Farmland values across the U.S. increased substantially in many regions last year, and even more recently, interest rates increased, inflation seems to be getting under control and farm income reached a record high in 2022 .  But what will happen to farmland prices in the next few months? Will farmland values decrease or increase?  By developing a series of data-based models to gather investigative insights, the FBN Data Science team has forecast its expectations for price changes in 2023 in its latest blog post. Click here to read more.  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. We are an Equal Opportunity Provider. FBN 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). FBN membership is not required to purchase through FBN Insurance LLC, but certain features may only be available to FBN members. FBN Crop Insurance is currently offered in all U.S. states. Financing offered by FBN Finance, LLC and its lending partners. Terms and conditions apply. To qualify, a borrower must be a member of Farmer’s Business Network, Inc. and meet all underwriting requirements. Interest rates and fees will vary depending on your individual situation. Not all applicants will qualify. 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.

With calving season quickly approaching, it’s time to make sure you have all your calving equipment and supplies ready to go at a moment’s notice. And this season, FBN® launched a new product to help make the preparation process simpler than ever.  Now available through FBN Direct® , the new FBN Calving Kit includes:  OB Chain 60" OB Handles Elastrator Bands Allflex Tag Pen Black Iodine 1% 16 oz Chlorhexidine Solution 2% 16 oz General Lube 8 oz  OB Standard Sleeve 10 count Shop towels Developed in collaboration with FBN veterinarians and FBN members like Mike Galloway, rancher, farmer, and creator of Our Wyoming Life , the concept of an all-in-one kit “really struck home for me,” he explains in a new FBN Calving Kit unboxing video .  When calving season approaches, “I have to go find all my stuff, I have to put it all together, and I’m always missing something,” Galloway says. “So when [ FBN ] said they were doing a calving kit, I was very excited about it and I asked how I could help. I went back and forth with the team that put together this kit and helped them narrow down which items we may need.” With all included supplies stored inside a convenient plastic tote, the FBN Calving Kit makes it easy to keep everything you need for calving organized and ready to go.  “A lot of times, calving catches you off guard… you’re waiting for it, but you don’t know when it’s going to happen. The first one that hits the ground is usually a surprise — and I can tell you, nine times out of 10, you’re not prepared for it,” says Galloway. “You don’t know where your tagging gun is, you don’t know where your medication is, you don’t know where your iodine is — so that’s exactly what this kit is here to help you with. It’s something you can have in your pickup with you, so when you do have that first calf you’ve got everything you need.” Get everything you need for a successful calving season with the all-in-one FBN Calving Kit. Equipped with an OB standard sleeve, elastrator bands, tag pens, iodine, chlorhexidine solution and more calving essentials, the new FBN Calving Kit helps you check everything off your list with just one click on FBN Direct®. Get your FBN Calving Kit here.  Watch Galloway’s unboxing video on the Our Wyoming Life Youtube channel or in the video player below:  Reviewer referenced in this blog post/video received a free FBN Calving Kit in exchange for making their review. 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.

With so many tasks requiring your constant attention as a farmer running a demanding business, it’s easy to put operational to-dos on the back-burner… but these tasks can often be some of the most important and time-sensitive.  Here are a few financial priorities to keep top of mind this month:  1. Finish Your Taxes If you didn’t submit your taxes by the initial January 17, 2023 deadline, you have until March 1, 2023 to get your paperwork finalized and submitted.  If you earn your income from a farming business, you may be able to avoid making any estimated tax payments by filing and paying your entire tax due on or before March 1, according to the IRS . This rule generally applies if farming income was at least two-thirds of your total gross income in either the current or the preceding tax year. Those who choose not to file by March 1 should have made an estimated tax payment by January 15 in order to avoid an estimated tax penalty, the IRS also explains. For more detailed tax information, visit the IRS website or USDA website .  [READ: 7 Ways to Potentially Reduce Tax Liability for Your Ag Operation] 2. Select Your MPCI Coverage Before the Deadline Multi Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) coverage is available for more than 100 different crops (though not all crops are covered in every region) to protect farmers against crop losses due to natural events. Key insurance dates vary by crop and region of the United States. The important deadlines are: Sales Closing Date (SCD) Acreage Reporting Date (ARD) Premium Billing Date For crops planted in the spring (including corn, soybeans, cotton, grain sorghum, rice, spring wheat and spring barley), the SCD is generally March 15 with an ARD of July 15. If you haven't gotten a second opinion on your crop insurance coverage in the last few years, now is the time to see how a personalized approach to insurance could make a difference in your operation. To ensure you meet the appropriate deadlines for the crop you are growing for your specific state and county, contact an FBN® insurance agent . [READ: When Are Multi Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) Deadlines?] 3. Complete Your Input Purchases  While it can be tempting to put off buying inputs until later, you can support your bottom line and put yourself in a good position to manage pressures in your fields this season by purchasing crop protection products this winter. Sitting down now to consider your needs — and build your strategy to address them — can help inform your ag chemical purchase decisions and eliminate waste this season.  Think about the overall effectiveness of your weed, insect and disease control strategies last year. Will you use some of the same chemistries this year? If you have a clear picture of your management strategy for the upcoming season, don’t miss out on pricing discounts available now. Get it done and get ahead on your crop plan for the upcoming season with FBN Direct® . Right now, AgSaver™ Glyphosate 53.8% , Willowood Glufosinate 280SL , Willowood Glypho 6 and other key ag chem products are available at special prices for a limited time only*.  Plus, you can also finance your crop inputs and livestock products with the 2023 Crop Input Financing Program from FBN Finance. Now through August 31, 2023, you may be able to get a 6.5% interest rate on qualifying financed purchases of seed, crop protection, adjuvants, crop nutrition, livestock feed and animal health products. If you’re new to FBN or have not recently ordered from FBN Direct , take advantage of the New Customer Financing Program . You could get 0% financing for 30 days from the date of your first qualifying purchase, plus the ability to lock in 0% interest through August 31, 2023 by spending a minimum $20,000 on all product categories or $5,000 on livestock products within 30 days of your first purchase. (Terms and conditions apply; see program information for details.)   [VIEW: The FBN 2023 Crop Protection Guide] 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. *Terms and conditions apply. Price subject to change. We are an Equal Opportunity Provider. FBN 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). FBN membership is not required to purchase through FBN Insurance LLC, but certain features may only be available to FBN members. FBN Crop Insurance is currently offered in all U.S. states. 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 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.

The FBN® Innovators Research League (IRL) is a farmer-driven research network of FBN members who test cutting-edge innovations in crop inputs (such as biologicals) and equipment in real-life field conditions. The Innovators Research League represents a game-changing approach to new product development, offering farmers an opportunity to be directly involved in new product development alongside FBN while getting compensated for their time and earning exclusive access to new, innovative technologies. In turn, these insights on real-world, on-farm product performance help accelerate the data-driven adoption of new technologies in the ag sector.  Innovators Research League By The Numbers in 2022 50 new products and technologies tested Trials in 9 different commodity and specialty crops 25,000+ trial acres  25 states represented in trials Benefits of Joining the FBN Innovators Research League 1. Get Exclusive Access to New Products & Technologies IRL trial farmers get exclusive access to exciting new products and technologies before they are commercially available to other FBN members or non-member farmers. This empowers them to see what’s coming down the product and technology development pipeline before anyone else, and to play an active role in helping guide the development of new agricultural technologies.   2. Earn Money While Gaining Insights into Your Operation We compensate farmers who participate in on-farm trials for their time and efforts. At the same time, farmers in the IRL program develop firsthand knowledge of how new technologies work on their farm. This, in turn, helps them identify opportunities for optimization across their operation. 3. Receive Customized Reporting At the end of each season, participants receive a customized report containing detailed data about how the trial product performed on their operations. Powered by FBN Data Science, these reports offer unique insights into product performance.  How to Join the FBN Innovators Research League - Now Accepting 2023 Applications FBN is now accepting applications to trial new, cutting-edge agricultural technologies in 2023. This year, we’ll be testing biologicals, inputs, crops, robotics, and sensors, among other products. For reference, our 2022 program included innovative testing in inoculants, biostimulants, biopesticides, biofertilizers, and specialized fertilizer products.  [Interested in participating? Sign up to join the FBN Innovators Research League program here .] Hear Directly from Participants About Their Experience In this panel discussion from Farmer2FarmerVI in Omaha, Nebraska, you’ll hear from farmers about their experiences as participants in the Innovators Research League through FBN . They’ll discuss why they joined IRL, what their experience has been like as part of the field testing process and what they’ve learned through the trials they’ve conducted.  Featured Speakers:  Matt Meisner, PhD: VP of R&D and Data at FBN Brent Rendel: Farmer, Innovators Research League Member Josh Moore: Farmer, Innovators Research League Member  Andrew Tenold: Farmer, Innovators Research League Member Clark McPheeters: Farmer, Innovators Research League Member [Interested in participating? Sign up to join the FBN Innovators Research League program here .] Copyright © 2014 - 2022 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, “Farmers Business Network” and “FBN” are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. Testimonials are not indicative of future performance or success; results may vary. The information and opinions expressed by guest speakers in this panel are their own and are not endorsed or approved by FBN or its affiliates.

FBN ® now offers generic herbicide Willowood Pronamide 3.3SC through FBN Direct especially for growers with operations in Arizona and California.* With the new addition of Willowood Pronamide to its robust herbicide selection, FBN gives growers even more options for protecting their crops and optimizing their return on investment while keeping cost management top of mind.  “ FBN offers western growers a convenient online shopping experience with upfront competitive prices on top crop protection products like Pronamide, plus direct to farm delivery. Our Willowood brand of products started in the West and our mission remains to bring growers quality, well-priced crop protection to support their bottom line,” said Nicholas Seibert, U.S. Crop Protection Line Product Manager at FBN .  Crop Protection for Leafy Greens A generic alternative to branded herbicide Kerb® SC from Corteva, Pronamide is predominantly used to protect leafy greens, specifically romaine and iceberg lettuces.  Effective at controlling a broad spectrum of grasses and broadleaf weeds, Pronamide can be used at both the preemergence and post emergence stages of growth. The group three, soil active herbicide is absorbed through the roots of sensitive weeds to address pressures including annual bluegrass and preemergence control of lambsquarters, purslane, shepherd’s purse and nightshades. Competitive Pricing, Substantial Savings from FBN Pronamide pricing on FBN is competitive without rebates required to get there. Plus, new customers can enjoy discounts on their first purchase with FBN Direct. Farmers can view transparent list prices at any time on FBN Direct.  Made with high-quality active ingredients comparable to the branded alternatives, generic Willowood Pronamide empowers farmers to save money on chemical purchases and redirect those savings toward other expenses. Especially in today’s shifting economic climate, these savings are more important than ever before.   Through the convenience of FBN ’s online store , farmers can search for and purchase key chemicals like Willowood Pronamide anytime, anywhere, with clear pricing, flexible payment options and direct to farm delivery. To see current Willowood Pronamide pricing and inventory availability on FBN Direct, click here .  Copyright © 2014 - 2022 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, “Farmers Business Network”, “FBN”, and “FBN Direct” are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc.   Kerb® SC Herbicide is a registered trademark of Corteva Agriscience, LLC. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 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.  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. *The prices and supply status are not guaranteed and are subject to change without notice. For up to date prices and availability, visit FBN Direct store.