Farm profits squeezed by crop and livestock costs
Iowa State University data show corn costs per bushel vary with yield from 2.80 to 3.18, making money only if prices exceed 3.18 at 90 bushels. Soybeans cost 6.26 to 7.16 per bushel depending on yield, with last year's price about 7.75. Hog and cattle costs yield breakeven points near market prices, leaving farmers barely profitable.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa State University
Steve Peterson
Iowa Crop and Livestock Reporting Service
Washington County farmer faces foreclosure after farm bust
Roger Escher, 38, of Washington Iowa saw his 280 acre farm falter from drought and policy shocks after a decade of growth from five sons starting in 1969 to a million dollar operation by the early 1980s. The bank foreclosed, his livestock sold for far less than value, and he filed for Chapter 11 before losing the farm.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ashington
Iowa
Washington County
Roger Escher
Washington
Sigourney
Escher
Roger
Mary Jo Escher
Paul
Eschers
Allen Kloess
United Central Bank of
Kloess
Gazette
al Swegle
Iowa Economy Struggles as Farm Slump Bites State
The 1980s agricultural downturn hits Iowa hard with job losses and export declines. Despite pockets of growth in services and tech, the state faces isolation and a weak manufacturing link to farming. Exports fell from 1981 peaks, with 1983 estimates near 5 billion.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Illinois
Gazette Sunday Obituaries and Vital Statistics Note
The Gazette announces a weekly placement for obituaries death notices and vital statistics on the last left-hand page of the Metro-Iowa section each Sunday. Today it appears on page 22A inviting readers to consult the specified page for notices.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
The
Gazette
Metro-Iowa
Iowa Farm Boom Then Bust Reshapes State Economy
Iowa’s 70s boom linked to agriculture left deep scars as export demand and prices collapsed in the 80s. The study shows debt burdens rising, one in four farmers in debt above 40 percent, losses averaging over $1,800 in 1983, and a shift toward large scale operations while midsize farms decline. Diversification toward services and nonfarm jobs grows as farming remains pivotal to the state’s economy. The piece cites figures on farm numbers, debt, income, and regional impacts, with future caution about continued volatility.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Washington County
Charles City
U.S.S.R
Steven Gold
Drake University
U.S
Dieter Ochs
Marion
Farnsley Peters
Iowa Association of Business and Industry
Federal Reserve Board
Office of Planning and Pro
Siegelman
Bread and Butter
University of Iowa
Jerald Barnard
Dan Otto
Iowa State University
Teleconnect
Noland
Cedar Rapids
Des Moines
Amoco
Also Mentioned on This Page
U.S. Agriculture
Earl Butz
Minnesota
Robert Harpster
League of Iowa Municipalities
Harnischfeger
Ids
Department of Commerce
Gramming
Harvey Siegelman
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