Weathering Risk: A Conversation with Dr. Hunter Biram
Let’s talk about agricultural economics—but don’t worry, this isn’t a lecture hall. It’s more of a cab style conversation with Dr. Hunter Biram from the University of Arkansas, and he brought along a whole lot of real-world smarts.
In our latest episode of Field Good Life, we dug into everything from commodity prices to decision fatigue. We discuss resources and where you can find newsletters and podcasts to help in the management of your operation. (Links provided in the podcast show notes!) We discuss the provisions offered in the reconciliation package and the fact that the most recent farm bill was still operating on price data from 2011. That’s not a typo. Two thousand and eleven. We’re supposed to build a future from that?
Dr. Biram’s background in ag economics and policy gives him a sharp lens on how weather, policy, and markets shape the decisions farmers are making every single day. And as he reminded us, sometimes the biggest challenges aren’t the storms we see coming, it’s the ones wrapped up in red tape.
We also talked about crop insurance—the good, the bad, and the increasingly necessary. More and more, farmers are leaning on it to survive wild swings in both weather and price. And with the current policy lagging behind reality, it’s no wonder folks are frustrated.
Here’s the truth: you can’t control the weather, but you better understand how it’s going to affect your bottom line. Dr. Biram walked us through how prevent plant crop insurance claim decisions weighed heavily on farmers this year, and why commodity markets tend to soften after June once traders start breathing easy about yields. But what if that confidence is misplaced?
One thing I appreciated was Dr. Biram’s emphasis on communication. Economists need to listen more. Farmers need to be heard. And when research takes years to clear peer review, that gap between insight and action can feel like a chasm.
But here’s what gives me hope: collaboration. Whether it’s universities, extension offices, or newsletters like Southern Ag Today (Dr. Biram calls it a good one, and I agree), there’s a growing push to get better information into the hands of the people who need it most.
We wrapped the episode with some reflection on resilience—because we know we must have it. It’s been a hard year. And yet, farmers are still showing up, adjusting, planting, praying, and pricing the best they can. We don’t have all the answers, but we do have each other and the help of experts like Dr. Biram. That matters.
So, if you’re navigating tough decisions this season, or just want to hear a grounded take on ag economics from someone who gets it, give this episode a listen. Come walk the turn rows with us. Let’s keep telling the story!
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💚 https://open.spotify.com/episode/2aJMBiquHtsHXsZ444jrZE?si=c57379b2a59e4586