— Jonathan Olmscheid, CFO
In general, the biggest cashflow impact comes from where you have the least control but the most exposure.
For most agricultural producers:
- Price is set by national or global markets
- Payment timing is controlled by buyers such as ethanol & biodiesel crush facilities
- Input costs are influenced internationally which is greatly impacted by foreign policy and most recently, tariffs
So even if you sell locally, international markets often indirectly impact your cashflow the most.
What Impacts Farm Income of Profitability the Most?
Commodity Producers:
- International markets
- National policy & tariffs
- Farm-level efficiency
Direct-to-Consumer or Specialty Producers:
- Your farm management
- Your local/state market
- National economy
While Central United Cooperative is proud to be your coop, our direct impact on your farm’s cashflow and overall profitability is smaller than the broader market forces listed above. Our role is to be the best possible partner providing access to international markets through rail purchases of inputs and grain exports, offering terms that align with crop year’s, and delivering reliable service that helps your operation run as efficiently as possible.
The start of 2026 has been busy as we navigate this transitional period following the merger. With portions of the year’s activity still tied to legacy coops, many of you are receiving multiple tax documents. Each season brings its own challenges, and we continue working to gain efficiencies as we move forward together. We appreciate your patience and the commitment of our employees as we focus on being your preferred partner and employer of choice.
The Central United Customer Portal is one of the ways we’re helping improve efficiency for both your operation and ours, providing easier access to information, documents and account details when you need them.
“Our role is to be the best possible partner providing access to international markets through rail purchases of inputs and grain exports, offering terms that align with crop year’s, and delivering reliable service that helps your operation run as efficiently
USDA said in its Land in Farms report that the number of U.S. farms shrank by 15,000 in 2025, bringing the total to 1.865 million. In the Midwest, Illinois saw a loss of 400 farms to 69,600, Iowa saw a loss of 500 farms to 86,200, Indiana saw a loss of 500 farms to 51,500, Nebraska saw a loss of 200 farms to 44,100 and Minnesota saw a loss of 1,300 farms to 64,000. Texas remains the state with the highest number of farms, far outpacing all others at 229,000. as possible.”
These numbers are a reminder of the environment we’re operating in. Efficiency, strong partnerships and sound financial management matter more than ever.