John Newton

According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, between June 2019 and June of this year, 580 farm bankruptcy filings were reported nationwide, an 8% year over year increase AFBF Chief Economist John Newton said the year to year numbers don’t tell the entire story. ...

Earlier this week, the American Farm Bureau Federation released its final report, on priorities for milk pricing reform, calling for more democracy and a more equitable program for dairy farmers. AFBF Chief Economist John Newton said the policy recommendations follow a year-long review by a Farm Bureau working group ...

Farm bankruptcies were rising before the coronavirus pandemic, and more challenges are ahead. American Farm Bureau Federation Chief Economist John Newton said the trend is concerning. “What we’ve seen is over the last 12 months ending March 2020 is Chapter 12 bankruptcies in the Unites States totaled 627 filings, that was up 23%. While it’s ... Read More ...

Last week we told you that new federal data shows farmers and ranchers continue to reduce agriculture’s per-unit greenhouse gas emissions. American Farm Bureau Federation Chief Economist John Newton said the U.S. Ag sector accounts for less emissions than the transportation, electricity generation and industrial sectors. ...

Rural counties are in a fragile spot economically after years of weakness in farming and manufacturing, as well as a weaker recovery since the Great Recession. The COVID-19 pandemic has pressured the U.S. economy to the point that it’s facing another downturn. Pol ...

Farm bankruptcies are at the highest level seen since 2011.  Data compiled by the American Farm Bureau Federation shows farm bankruptcies surged 24% since the trade with China began.  For the 12-month period ending September 2019, Chapter 12 farm bankruptcies totaled 580 filings, the highest level since 676 filings in 2011.   ...

The USDA recently released its 2019 Land Values Survey, showing that land values nationwide are on the rise.  However, the American Farm Bureau Federation said that’s not entirely the case.  Farm Bureau notes in its own Market Intel analysis that land values and farm rents have gone in the opposite direction in certain parts of the country.   “Many ...

If you’re planning on hosting a 4th of July BBQ Thursday, the American farmer Bureau Federation says it’s going to cost you slightly more this year compared to last.  AFBF Chief Economist John Newton said the cost for their 13-item basket came in at $5.28 per person th...

The USDA reopened its FSA offices Thursday, despite the ongoing shutdown.  American Farm Bureau Federation Chief Economist John Newton said the move was welcomed news.   “Well, I think its an opportunity for farmers and ranchers across the county to get in to their county FSA office and get started on all the paperwork that’s needed to have a successful planting season in 2019.”   FSA offices... R