The USDA expects farm debt to hit a record $416 billion this year, and many farmers are turning to high-interest, alternative lenders as banks pull back on lending, write Jacob Bunge and Kirk Maltais. While this financing may help producers in need of quick cash, it often levies strict terms, such as liens on each bushel produced, Bunge and Maltais write.

Last week's snow followed by a thaw is complicating an already delayed harvest in many parts of the Upper Midwest, writes Jessie Higgins. Wet corn and soybeans will require more time to dry prior to storage, while 30% of the Red River Valley potato crop in North Dakota is lost, according to CEO of Associated Potato Growers Mike Torgerson.

The USDA has set what are likely the year's final crop insurance prices for corn and soybeans at $3.90 and $9.25 per bushel, respectively. The deadline for farmers to file claims for spring crops is Dec. 13 with revenue claims due Dec. 15.

Agricultural centers are struggling to fill positions from farm drivers to retail staff, so the industry should increase efforts to connect high school and college students to these careers, writes Mike Karst, senior partner at Entira. Ag businesses should also invest more in neighboring communities to make them attractive to job seekers, he writes.

The USDA has again deferred payment of accrued interest on crop insurance premiums. Initially postponed until Nov. 30, the deadline is now extended to Jan. 31.