Top Stories Articles
Paycheck Protection Program Funds Reach Limit
Published April 16, 2020
On Thursday, the Small Business Administration reached the $349 billion lending limit for the Paycheck Protection Program. Small businesses with unprocessed loans will now wait for Congress to approve more funding. Lawmakers are attempting to add $250 billion to the…Small Changes Seen in Ag Credit World During 1Q
Published April 16, 2020
Compared to one year ago, the volume of farm operating loans increased slightly in the first quarter. The quarterly ag finance report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City indicates delinquency rates increased slightly at the end of 2019,…More Corn Acres Could Challenge Prices
Published April 16, 2020
In a new analysis, the American Farm Bureau Federation says U.S. farmers may need to scale back corn acres to support prices. The March USDA Prospective Plantings report is forecasting 97 million corn acres to be planted this year. Farm…Practicing Emotional Resilience During COVID-19
Published April 16, 2020
The current reality of the coronavirus is impacting everyone differently. Some are moving forward with business as usual and others are feeling overwhelmed. According to Monica McConkey, a rural mental health specialist with Eyes on the Horizon Consulting, emotional resilience…Spring-Like Weather Returning Soon to Northern Plains
Published April 16, 2020
More spring-like weather is in the forecast for the Northern Plains. "It looks like we have a stretch of relatively milder and drier weather. The pattern is shifting," said Mark Ewens, meteorologist, Home On The Prairie Weather. "As we get…USSEC Reviews Global Market Situation
Published April 16, 2020
The U.S. Soybean Export Council hosted a global digital conference and situation report this past week. Despite the impact from COVID-19, American Soybean Association President Bill Gordon offered a clear message for the international marketplace. "We are open for business."…Smithfield Plant Closing Has Domino Effect
Published April 16, 2020
With their Sioux Falls plant closed, Smithfield Foods shut down two other facilities. The Cudahy, Wisconsin plant processes bacon and sausage and the Martin City, Missouri plant processes hams. That work cannot be done without the daily supply of hogs…Officials are Taking Steps to Safely Reopen SD Plant
Published April 15, 2020
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue says he is working with South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and Smithfield Foods to reopen the Sioux Falls pork plant. Noem says employee health and keeping families fed are a priority. "We do have increased cases,…More Paycheck Protection Program Guidelines Available
Published April 15, 2020
The Small Business Administration released more guidelines for the Paycheck Protection Program loans. The guidelines provide more information for sole proprietor businesses that don’t have employees. Sole proprietors can use net profits as payroll. "They want us to use the…