Farm cost analysis

AREA - Despite a slight increase in net farm income last year, farmers saw another year of tight margins and a decrease in total farm assets and net farm worth. 

The average accrual net farm income (adjusted for inventory changes and accrued expenses) increased by six percent in 2018, to $58,832.

“It wasn’t a huge increase in income, but at least we didn’t see a decline,” said Alejandro Plastina, assistant professor and extension economist at Iowa State University. “However, the rate of return on assets remains very low, compared to historical averages.”

Read the full article in the October 8 edition of the Eldora Herald-Ledger.