Providing expert business insights, regulation updates, and savvy financial solutions.

Pinion Insights

How the Ag Economy is Affecting Financial Institutions in 2024

By Pinion Editorial | December 21, 2023
Reading Time: 2 minutes
2023 was a tough year for the agricultural industry. Droughts, rising input costs, price volatility, and many other factors put a strain on the industry. As an agricultural lender, you may be wondering what this means for you and how you should handle the turbulence. You’re not alone in your …

Read moreHow the Ag Economy is Affecting Financial Institutions in 2024

5 Common Barriers to the Grocery Store Market

By Pinion Editorial | December 20, 2023
,
Reading Time: 2 minutes
The food industry is a highly competitive and dynamic sector that requires a deep understanding of consumer needs, market trends, and retail operations. Despite the potential for high returns, several barriers can hinder food producers and suppliers from successfully entering the grocery store market. “At this year’s International World Rice …

Read more5 Common Barriers to the Grocery Store Market

Updated GREET Model Creates Promising Tax Credit for Ethanol: Who will be eligible to benefit?

By Pinion Editorial | December 19, 2023
, , , ,
Reading Time: 2 minutes
The U.S. Treasury Department recently rolled out new guidance that has the potential to bring large opportunities for farmers and ethanol producers in the form of an Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit.  But questions remain surrounding eligibility and implementation guidance.     “As it stands right …

Read moreUpdated GREET Model Creates Promising Tax Credit for Ethanol: Who will be eligible to benefit?

checklist

Financial Checklist for Ag Operations

By Pinion Editorial | December 15, 2023
, , , , , ,
Reading Time: 3 minutes
The beginning of the year is a great time to perform an overall financial check for your business. “We recommend that farm operations do this annually,” says principal Brad Palen of Pinion. “Not only does it provide you with a clearer picture of your business’ progress for the year, but it can …

Read moreFinancial Checklist for Ag Operations

5 Steps to Develop an Effective Board of Directors

By Pinion Editorial | December 14, 2023
,
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Companies with strong, well-functioning boards are more likely to thrive and succeed through leadership changes and industry challenges. “A board of directors can make or break a company,” says James Jirak, Pinion biofuel advisor. “An effective board of directors is the compass guiding a company through the ever-changing seas of …

Read more5 Steps to Develop an Effective Board of Directors

Is a Conservation Easement Right for Your Land?

By Pinion Editorial | December 4, 2023
, ,
Reading Time: 3 minutes
By Quint Shambaugh, land advisor and principal at Pinion Have you considered a conservation easement? Most ranchers, farmers and landowners are no stranger to the concept. And yet, it’s a tool that is often easily misunderstood or overlooked. Recognizing the Intrinsic Beauty and Benefits of Land I was reminded of …

Read moreIs a Conservation Easement Right for Your Land?

3 Ways to Unlock Wealth in Your Privately Held Business

By Pinion Editorial | November 30, 2023
, , ,
Reading Time: 3 minutes
A quick Google search for “how to increase business wealth” will yield thousands of ideas. Some are worth as much as they cost, some promise quick, overnight results, and yet, some truly hold their weight. Pinion strategic advisors work with business owners every day to help drive profits, manage risk, …

Read more3 Ways to Unlock Wealth in Your Privately Held Business

Decision 2024: Business Planning Ahead of an Election Year

By Pinion Editorial | November 30, 2023
, , ,
Reading Time: 4 minutes
The direction of future tax policies is intrinsically linked to the shifting dynamics of political power in the White House and Congress. With an election year just on the horizon, it is prudent to look at how 2024 electoral results may result in policy shifts that impact the agriculture sector …

Read moreDecision 2024: Business Planning Ahead of an Election Year