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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences

Disposition Of Installment Obligations, Neil E. Harl Oct 2016

Disposition Of Installment Obligations, Neil E. Harl

Neil E. Harl

With relatively heavy use of the installment contract or contract for deed in transferring farmland, the transfer or other disposition of the contract poses substantial problems for contract sellers. The privilege of income deferral by installment reporting is generally personal to the seller and, with one major exception, does not outlast the period during which the obligation is held.


Discharge Of Indebtedness: Insolvent Debtors And Debtors In Bankruptcy, Neil E. Harl Oct 2016

Discharge Of Indebtedness: Insolvent Debtors And Debtors In Bankruptcy, Neil E. Harl

Neil E. Harl

In the last issue, we examined the income tax consequences of transfers of property to creditors in discharge of debt. In this article, the focus is on the discharge of indebtedness for debtors in bankruptcy and those insolvent who are not in bankruptcy. In the next issue, we'll examine the discharge of debt for solvent farm debtors.


Avoiding Special Use Valuation Recapture, Neil E. Harl Oct 2016

Avoiding Special Use Valuation Recapture, Neil E. Harl

Neil E. Harl

Although relatively less use has been made of special use valuation of land in recent years, the heavier use of the valuation option in the late 1970s and early 1980s can still lead to recapture. For deaths before 1982, the potential recapture period is 15 years after the death of the decedent; full recapture occurs within the first ten years with a phaseout between 10 and 15 years. For deaths after 1981, the recapture period has been reduced to 10 years after the decedent's death (or 10- years after the commencement of "qualified use" under the two year grace period). …


Depreciation Of Farm Property, Neil E. Harl Oct 2016

Depreciation Of Farm Property, Neil E. Harl

Neil E. Harl

Depreciation rules for farm and ranch property have been on a roller coaster ride over the past decade. The long-established depreciation rules were supplanted by the Accelerated Cost Recovery System (ACRS) in 1981, then the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) in 1986 and now a slow-down beginning in 1989 for property used in a farming business.


Discharge Of Indebtedness: For A Solvent Farm Debtor, Neil E. Harl Oct 2016

Discharge Of Indebtedness: For A Solvent Farm Debtor, Neil E. Harl

Neil E. Harl

Until 1987, a procedure was available for avoiding income tax for solvent debtors generally. That procedure involved an election to reduce the income tax basis of depreciable assets for qualified business indebtedness. However, that elective procedure was repealed in 1986 effective at the end of that year. The same legislation repealing the solvent debtor rule enacted a provision for solvent farm debtors. The statute was amended substantially in 1988.


Corporate Ownership Of The Farm Residence, Neil E. Harl Oct 2016

Corporate Ownership Of The Farm Residence, Neil E. Harl

Neil E. Harl

For farmers and ranchers considering incorporating, one of the major questions is whether the farm or ranch residence or residences should be transferred to the newly formed corporation. From an income tax perspective, residential costs are deductible for an unincorporated taxpayer only to the extent of mortgage interest and property taxes and costs associated with business use of the residence such as an office "used regularly and on an exclusive basis" for business purposes.


A Summary Of Provision In The Food, Agriculture, Conservation And Trade Act Of 1990, S. 2830, As Amended By The Agricultural Reconciliation Act Of 1990, Neil E. Harl Oct 2016

A Summary Of Provision In The Food, Agriculture, Conservation And Trade Act Of 1990, S. 2830, As Amended By The Agricultural Reconciliation Act Of 1990, Neil E. Harl

Neil E. Harl

This is the second part of a two-part summary of the provisions of the 1990 farm bill. The first part appeared in Vol. 1, No. 25, Nov. 9, 1990.


Abandonment In Bankruptcy, Neil E. Harl Oct 2016

Abandonment In Bankruptcy, Neil E. Harl

Neil E. Harl

Bankruptcy is designed to accomplish two objectives — (1) assure fair and equitable treatment of the unsecured creditors (the secured creditors are entitled to payment up to the value of their collateral and beyond that are unsecured creditors) and (2) provide a "fresh start" to the debtor. The concept of abandonment now poses a collision of those two objectives.


Adjusting Basis For Discharged Debt, Neil E. Harl Oct 2016

Adjusting Basis For Discharged Debt, Neil E. Harl

Neil E. Harl

The final step in handling discharged debt involves the reduction of the basis of the debtor's property or of the debtor's depreciable property if the debtor elects to reduce basis before reducing the other tax attributes. The timing of basis reduction is the same in all instances – basis is reduced at the beginning of the year after the year of debt discharge. The major concern with basis reduction is the order in which the debtor's assets are subject to basis reduction.


Avoiding Acceleration Of Installment Payment Of Federal Estate Tax, Neil E. Harl Oct 2016

Avoiding Acceleration Of Installment Payment Of Federal Estate Tax, Neil E. Harl

Neil E. Harl

For those who have used installment payment of federal estate tax to defer tax payment over 177 months after death, a major concern is avoiding acceleration of the deferred tax and loss of the four percent interest rate on the first $345,800 of tax less the unified credit. For farm and ranch estates using the deferred payment option, post-death planning is needed to avoid acceleration.


"Midstream" Incorporation Considerations, Neil E. Harl Oct 2016

"Midstream" Incorporation Considerations, Neil E. Harl

Neil E. Harl

The basic requirements for a tax-free incorporation are relatively mechanical—(1) the transfer must be solely for stock in the corporation and (2) the transferors must be "in control" of the corporation immediately after the exchange. This requires that the transferors end up with at least 80 percent of the combined voting power of all classes of voting stock and at least 80 percent of the total number of shares of all other classes of stock.


Assisted Tree Migration In North America: Policy Legacies, Enhanced Forest Policy Integration, And Climate Change Adaptation, Adam Wellstead, Michael Howlett Oct 2016

Assisted Tree Migration In North America: Policy Legacies, Enhanced Forest Policy Integration, And Climate Change Adaptation, Adam Wellstead, Michael Howlett

Adam Wellstead

The weight of much expert forest management opinion is that issues such as climate change can be effectively addressed only if forest policy-making moves from a purely sectoral focus and undergoes a shift to a more integrated multi-issue, multi-sector policy-making process. This is because credible adaptation policies in the sector require greatly enhanced multi-sectoral policy integration if they are to succeed. But this requirement may be beyond the capacity of many countries to deliver. This article explores the integration challenges faced by forest policy-making in Canada and the United States and uses the case of Assisted Tree Migration (ATM) to …


Implications Of Changes (Structural And Market) On Farm Management And Marketing Research, George R. Allen, Lester S. Kellogg, G. Edward Schuh, Vernon W. Pherson, Reynold P. Dahl, Rex F. Daly, Dale E. Hathaway, Neil E. Harl, Earl O. Heady, A. Gordon Ball, Glenn L. Johnson, Dale O. Anderson, Lowell D. Hill, John C. Redman, Robert W. Rudd, B. F. Jones, A. Allen Schmid, Karl A. Fox, George D. Irwin, R. L. Kohls, John E. Lee Jr., Thomas T. Stout Jul 2016

Implications Of Changes (Structural And Market) On Farm Management And Marketing Research, George R. Allen, Lester S. Kellogg, G. Edward Schuh, Vernon W. Pherson, Reynold P. Dahl, Rex F. Daly, Dale E. Hathaway, Neil E. Harl, Earl O. Heady, A. Gordon Ball, Glenn L. Johnson, Dale O. Anderson, Lowell D. Hill, John C. Redman, Robert W. Rudd, B. F. Jones, A. Allen Schmid, Karl A. Fox, George D. Irwin, R. L. Kohls, John E. Lee Jr., Thomas T. Stout

Neil E. Harl

This conference was really an outgrowth of an earlier conference on Structural Changes in Commercial Agriculture (CAED Report 24) held in Chicago, April 12-14, 1965. While the earlier conference emphasized structural changes in the agricultural industry and their implications for education and extension, the 1967 conference focused on research.


The Structural Transformation Of The Agricultural Sector, Neil E. Harl Jul 2016

The Structural Transformation Of The Agricultural Sector, Neil E. Harl

Neil E. Harl

A major concern as we move into the Twenty-first Century is the structure of the agricultural sector. By structure, is meant considerations of size and scale as well as who is to manage, control and finance farming and agribusiness operations.


Policy Considerations Related To Further Intervention In The Farm Credit System, Neil E. Harl Jul 2016

Policy Considerations Related To Further Intervention In The Farm Credit System, Neil E. Harl

Neil E. Harl

The Farm Credit System Is a major participant in extending credit to and brokering losses from the agricultural sector during the current adjustment process. This article focuses on the problems faced by the system as a cooperative lender with relatively little diversity in its loan portfolio. Assistance to the system should be accompanied by organizational and structural changes that address the fundamental reasons for its vulnerability. Conditions suggest three basic choices: (1) preservation of the system in recognizable form, (2) decentralization to the district level, or (3) a shift toward a wholesaling function. One realistic alternative would involve a combination …


Economic Perspectives On Gmo Market Segregation, John A. Miranowski, Giancarlo Moschini, Bruce A. Babcock, Michael Duffy, Robert Wisner, John C. Beghin, Dermot J. Hayes, Sergio H. Lence, C. Phillip Baumel, Neil E. Harl Jul 2016

Economic Perspectives On Gmo Market Segregation, John A. Miranowski, Giancarlo Moschini, Bruce A. Babcock, Michael Duffy, Robert Wisner, John C. Beghin, Dermot J. Hayes, Sergio H. Lence, C. Phillip Baumel, Neil E. Harl

Neil E. Harl

Genetically modified .organisms (GMO) crops have become increasingly popular with Iowa farmers over the past few,years. The current genetic modifications are focused on pest management technologies. Although there were early efforts by environmental activists to disrupt the adoption of GMO technology, few concerns were raised by U.S. food retailers and consumers., The primary concern was getting European Union (EU) regulatory-approval for each GMO crop variety event as late as spring 1999. The situation has changed dramatically in the last few months, and the current situation is highly uncertain. .


Economic Impact And Impacts Of Continuing To Proceed As We Are Now, Neil E. Harl Jul 2016

Economic Impact And Impacts Of Continuing To Proceed As We Are Now, Neil E. Harl

Neil E. Harl

A major concern as we move into the Twenty-first Century is the structure of the agricultural sector. By structure, is meant considerations of size and scale as well as who is to manage, control and finance farming and agribusiness operations.


Delayed Planting, Prevented Planting And Replanting Crop Insurance Coverage, Steven D. Johnson, William M. Edwards Jul 2016

Delayed Planting, Prevented Planting And Replanting Crop Insurance Coverage, Steven D. Johnson, William M. Edwards

William Edwards

The frequent rains that have soaked Iowa this year have left many corn and soybean fields unplanted or with flooded areas. Many producers are wondering what options they have under their multiple peril crop insurance (MPCI) policies. In Iowa, the crop insurance “late planting period” for corn begins on June 1. Corn can still be planted after this date, but the insurance guarantee on those acres is reduced by 1 percent per day until the acres are planted. Corn acres planted after June 25 will receive insurance coverage equal to 60 percent of their original guarantee. Producers should keep accurate …


Ag Decision Maker: Combine Ownership Or Custom Hire, William M. Edwards, H. Mark Hanna Jul 2016

Ag Decision Maker: Combine Ownership Or Custom Hire, William M. Edwards, H. Mark Hanna

William Edwards

Includes advantages and disadvantages of custom hiring and information on estimating costs; includes worksheets.


Compensation Of Farm Employees, William M. Edwards Jul 2016

Compensation Of Farm Employees, William M. Edwards

William Edwards

Iowa farm operators were surveyed to learn what type and level of compensation they paid to full-time employees in 1997. The average total compensation paid was $26, 914, of which 79 percent consisted of cash wages.Benefits accounted for 18 percent of the compensation, and bonuses and wages in kind amounted to 3 percent.Housing and insurance plans were the most significant benefits provided


Delayed Planting, Prevented Planting And Replanting Crop Insurance Coverage, Steven D. Johnson, William M. Edwards Jul 2016

Delayed Planting, Prevented Planting And Replanting Crop Insurance Coverage, Steven D. Johnson, William M. Edwards

William Edwards

The frequent rains that have soaked Iowa this year have left many corn and soybean fields unplanted or with flooded areas. Many producers are wondering what options they have under their multiple peril crop insurance (MPCI) policies. In Iowa, the crop insurance “late planting period” for corn begins on June 1. Corn can still be planted after this date, but the insurance guarantee on those acres is reduced by 1 percent per day until the acres are planted. Corn acres planted after June 25 will receive insurance coverage equal to 60 percent of their original guarantee. Producers should keep accurate …


Flood Damaged Crops, Crop Insurance Payments And Lease Contracts, William M. Edwards Jul 2016

Flood Damaged Crops, Crop Insurance Payments And Lease Contracts, William M. Edwards

William Edwards

Some Iowa corn and soybean producers are facing substantial if not complete crop losses due to flooding. In particular, many acres of crops in the Missouri River Valley have been under water for a month or more this year. Fortunately, nearly 90 percent of Iowa’s corn and soybean acres are protected by multiple peril crop insurance.


Determinants Of Iowa Cropland Cash Rental Rates: Testing Ricardian Rent Theory, Xiaodong Du, David A. Hennessy, William M. Edwards Jul 2016

Determinants Of Iowa Cropland Cash Rental Rates: Testing Ricardian Rent Theory, Xiaodong Du, David A. Hennessy, William M. Edwards

William Edwards

Based on the Ricardian rent theory, this study employs the variable profit function to analyze the determinants of Iowa cropland cash rental rates using county-level panel data from 1987 to 2005. Accounting for spatial and temporal autocorrelations, responses of local cash rental rates to changes in output prices and other exogenous variables are estimated. We find that Iowa cash rental rates are largely determined by output/input prices, soil quality, relative location, and other county-specific factors. Cash rents go up by $79 for a $1 increase in corn price in the short run. The marginal value of cropland quality, as represented …


Farmland Rental Rates Show Continued Strength In 2012, William M. Edwards, Ann M. Johanns Jul 2016

Farmland Rental Rates Show Continued Strength In 2012, William M. Edwards, Ann M. Johanns

William Edwards

Anyone who is involved with the rental market for Iowa farmland knows that rental rates have been pushed significantly higher by the favorable corn and soybean prices that farmers have enjoyed since 2010. This trend continued in 2012.


Does A Rising Biofuels Tide Raise All Boats? A Study Of Cash Rent Determinants For Iowa Farmland Under Hay And Pasture, Xiaodong Du, David A. Hennessy, William M. Edwards Jul 2016

Does A Rising Biofuels Tide Raise All Boats? A Study Of Cash Rent Determinants For Iowa Farmland Under Hay And Pasture, Xiaodong Du, David A. Hennessy, William M. Edwards

William Edwards

Iowa's farmland consists of over 16% hay crops and pastureland, a significant portion of which is under cash rental contracts. This study investigates the comparative relationships between cash rental rates for cropped land and non-cropped land, where the latter includes hay and pastureland. We find that higher crop prices resulting from biofuel demand induces land use conversion from non-cropped land to crop production and thus bids up non-cropped land rents. Compared with changes in cropped land cash rents, non-cropped farmland rents could increase by a higher percentage. Non-cropped land cash rental rates are largely determined by crop and feeder cattle …


Delayed Planting, Prevented Planting And Replanting Crop Insurance Coverage, Steven D. Johnson, William M. Edwards Jul 2016

Delayed Planting, Prevented Planting And Replanting Crop Insurance Coverage, Steven D. Johnson, William M. Edwards

William Edwards

The frequent rains that have soaked Iowa this year have left many corn and soybean fields unplanted or with flooded areas. Many producers are wondering what options they have under their multiple peril crop insurance (MPCI) policies. In Iowa, the crop insurance “late planting period” for corn begins on June 1. Corn can still be planted after this date, but the insurance guarantee on those acres is reduced by 1 percent per day until the acres are planted. Corn acres planted after June 25 will receive insurance coverage equal to 60 percent of their original guarantee. Producers should keep accurate …


Machinery Sharing Manual For Fruit And Vegetable Producers, Georgeanne M. Artz, Linda L. Naeve, William M. Edwards Jul 2016

Machinery Sharing Manual For Fruit And Vegetable Producers, Georgeanne M. Artz, Linda L. Naeve, William M. Edwards

William Edwards

This manual discusses operational and organizational issues related to sharing farm machinery for fruit and vegetable production. It includes five real-life case studies of growers who shared equipment, sample sharing agreements and worksheets for allocating costs fairly. This manual highlights various options for sharing, identifies potential problems associated with sharing resources, and explains the strategies for resolving them.


Insurance Coverage For Drought-Damaged Crops, William M. Edwards Jul 2016

Insurance Coverage For Drought-Damaged Crops, William M. Edwards

William Edwards

Nearly 90 percent of the corn and soybean acres in Iowa are covered by multiple peril crop insurance. Drought damage is an insurable loss under these policies. Producers should consult with their crop insurance agents before harvesting or destroying any drought-damaged crops, however.


Does A Rising Biofuels Tide Raise All Boats? A Study Of Cash Rent Determinants For Iowa Farmland Under Hay And Pasture, Xiaodong Du, David A. Hennessy, William M. Edwards Jul 2016

Does A Rising Biofuels Tide Raise All Boats? A Study Of Cash Rent Determinants For Iowa Farmland Under Hay And Pasture, Xiaodong Du, David A. Hennessy, William M. Edwards

William Edwards

Iowa's farmland consists of over 16% hay crops and pastureland, a significant portion of which is under cash rental contracts. This study investigates the comparative relationships between cash rental rates for cropped land and non-cropped land, where the latter includes hay and pastureland. We find that higher crop prices resulting from biofuel demand induces land use conversion from non-cropped land to crop production and thus bids up non-cropped land rents. Compared with changes in cropped land cash rents, non-cropped farmland rents could increase by a higher percentage. Non-cropped land cash rental rates are largely determined by crop and feeder cattle …


Important Crop Insurance Dates, William M. Edwards Jul 2016

Important Crop Insurance Dates, William M. Edwards

William Edwards

Even the best crop insurance plan is of little use if the right information is not collected and submitted on time. Likewise, if certain actions are not completed by the necessary date, producers may not receive full benefit from the risk protection that they have selected.