November 19, 2018 

As we approach Thanksgiving and the opportunity to reflect on the things we can be thankful for, we in American agriculture have much to consider. Yes, it has been a long, tough harvest. Commodity prices have dropped to levels that bring no joy. There is no Farm Bill and we don't know when trade tariffs will be resolved.

But if you look at the bigger picture for what is happening now and that which will be good in the long run, there are many positive things in American ag. U.S. agriculture and its producers are the envy of the world. As world population grows and water resources become even more stretched, the United States is the most stable and most productive place in the world and it is where many turn to for investments in ag and food production. Americans have the incomes to afford a diversity of products produced by agriculture which is evidenced by the choices in the foods we eat.

We can't ignore those who will struggle through these below normal farm income years, but overall, American agriculture in its various shapes and sizes will weather the downturn and look to the longer term for a bright future.  

Randy Dickhut 

Senior Vice President - Real Estate Operations