Looking Ahead: Dave Chatterton

Dave Chatterton, Director of Commodities at Strategic Farm Marketing and Futures, predicts tough times ahead for farmland owners and producers, with challenges around cash flow, equity, and operations. He emphasizes the need to stay informed about crop insurance, commodity pricing, and policy changes, especially amid long-term fiscal uncertainty despite a short-term Farm Bill extension.

Chatterton also foresees potential budget cuts from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which could affect programs like crop insurance and USDA support. While optimistic about agricultural priorities under a Republican-majority Congress, he warns that local producers may feel the impact of these cuts, a topic he’ll discuss at the 18th Annual Land Investment Expo.