American Farmland Owner

In this week's interview, Richard Vague, author of The Paradox of Debt, challenges the common perception of debt as inherently negative, urging people to consider the type and context of debt instead. While many focus on the federal debt, which now approaches $36 trillion, Vague sees private sector debt as a far more significant economic factor. Drawing from his diverse background in banking, venture capital, and government roles, Vague argues that private debt trends are critical to understanding economic shifts. He believes federal debt, while substantial, circulates back into the economy, often through U.S. Treasury securities. Vague is less worried about government debt and more concerned with rising income inequality and the trade deficit, which he feels are pressing yet under-discussed issues. Full interview: AFO: https://lnkd.in/grYggGjr Youtube: https://lnkd.in/gJvZjUgQ Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gJvZjUgQ Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/g3CXmkjB

Three ways the poultry industry is being affected as of late: - Officials in several states want answers from the USDA after a Midwest plant failed, despite millions in taxpayer assistance. - Americans’ taste for chicken at McDonald's - The bird flu is making its way through dairy herds in western Utah. https://lnkd.in/ge8A2u95

Money Matters: Everything is bigger in Texas. There is a Texas connection to three significant developments: - A Texas billionaire has a taste for Napa Valley and Sonoma wineries. - The state of Texas bought a $250M dollar ranch. - The largest timber manufacturing plant on the continent opened in Texas. https://lnkd.in/gZ59STiT

Denise Greer Jamerson and her multi-generational family have dedicated themselves not only to sustaining their historic Indiana farm but also to empowering other Black and minority farmers facing limited resources and support. Through Greer Farms and the newly founded Legacy Taste of the Garden, the family produces and distributes fresh produce to their community, supports food pantries and schools, and mentors other farmers across the country. Denise's father, Norman Greer, continues to farm their land today and is acknowledged as the last remaining Black farmer cultivating family-owned land that dates back to before the Civil War. Listen to the full interview: AFO: https://lnkd.in/guDZDMWQ YouTube: https://lnkd.in/g-uyp7ut Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gAUiqmJC Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gADMW_rv

With only a handful of days remaining until the election, how are the candidates' priorities tied to the future of farmland? We've collected a series of stories from various news services that shed light on their viewpoints. https://lnkd.in/gVKsFhkN

Future of the Land: Courts and Voters Weigh In A U.S. Supreme Court decision, a South Dakota Supreme Court ruling, and South Dakota voters will impact the biofuels industry in various ways. https://lnkd.in/gdScnCM9

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson described the damage from Hurricane Milton as "catastrophic" and highlighted the severe impact on Florida’s farmers and agriculture. He urged immediate USDA support to help family farms recover from this latest devastating storm. https://lnkd.in/g2Wpgg2R

AFO SHORTS: Money Matters: SAF Credit, Recession Fears, and Seed Pioneer ➡️ Producers received guidance for one federal tax credit but still wait for help on another. ➡️ Two researchers look at the tough financial predicament in agriculture right now. ➡️ A seed pioneer from the Midwest moves down among the country’s wealthiest, despite increasing his estimated fortune. https://lnkd.in/ghQqMvfx

Austin Frerick, is on a mission to address monopolistic practices in the American food industry, which he believes are detrimental to family farmers and consumers alike. Formerly a farm kid, Frerick has since dedicated nearly two decades to studying agricultural, tax, and antitrust policies. His book, Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America’s Food Industry, identifies seven types of "barons" who dominate various sectors, from hogs to groceries, using aggressive strategies to concentrate power. Frerick argues that these monopolies harm smaller farmers and limit choices for consumers, and he advocates for local food sources, especially for school districts, to support regional agriculture. Listen to a clip of this week's interview below, then listen to the full podcast on: Spotify: https://lnkd.in/grfcZbdX AFO: https://lnkd.in/gsXxWidA YouTube: https://lnkd.in/g_vyp7bS Apple: https://lnkd.in/gZzXDb_K

AFO SHORTS | Challenges and Opportunities ➡️ John Deere announced another round of cuts that has some farmers warning that they will buy elsewhere. ➡️ A well-known figure in the used tractor business said that farmers are now looking for older machinery to offset the high cost of new. ➡️ And a prominent investment manager said that U.S. leaders and investors need to view China as what that country really is. Stay informed with quick 30 second reads at our website: https://lnkd.in/ghEmTvVn