This quarterly podcast series is our no-nonsense take on today’s economic trends. It’s designed to break down key economic indicators in clear, everyday language—giving a "thumbs up" for positive signs and a "thumbs down" when caution is needed. The goal is to cut through the clutter, keep our community and stakeholders informed, and spark conversations that drive smart policy and real change.

Many agricultural policy topics provoke strong reactions or fall along political fault lines. That’s natural—people care deeply about the food they eat, the well-being of rural families and workers, shared natural resources, taxes, and more. Farm labor and immigration are extreme examples: despite decades of hard-fought compromise in Congress, durable solutions remain elusive due to the broader political climate. And these dynamics don’t just play out in Washington—they show

This quarterly podcast series is our no-nonsense take on today’s economic trends. It’s designed to break down key economic indicators in clear, everyday language—giving a "thumbs up" for positive signs and a "thumbs down" when caution is needed. The goal is to cut through the clutter, keep our community and stakeholders informed, and spark conversations that drive smart policy and real change.

Aug. 17 marked the one-year anniversary of the creation of the Barry Flinchbaugh Center for Ag and Food Policy.

It’s been four years since we lost renowned ag economist Barry Flinchbaugh, but a group of ag leaders is determined to see his legacy live