AgTalk is one of the longest-running online forums for farmers. For more than 25 years, growers, agronomists, equipment dealers, and rural business owners have used it to swap advice on crops, machinery, markets, and weather. If you’re new to AgTalk, this guide explains how it works, what you’ll find there, and how to use its classifieds safely.
Quick answer: AgTalk (talk.newagtalk.com) is a free, farmer-run online discussion forum launched in 2000. It’s known for its simple, fast-loading design, its volunteer moderators, and its lack of ads. Farmers use it to discuss grain markets, machinery, agronomy, and rural life, and to buy and sell equipment through its classifieds.
AgTalk Forum Overview
AgTalk is a community-driven forum where farmers and agri-professionals meet to talk about their agricultural needs. According to Farm Progress, the site was launched in 2000 by a group of forum users led by David Orr, an Ohio farmer, after they found commercial farm forums too slow and cluttered on dial-up internet.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Website | talk.newagtalk.com |
| Launched | 2000 |
| Founded by | Ohio farmer David Orr and fellow forum users |
| Run by | Volunteers, with volunteer moderators |
| Cost | Free to read and join |
| Advertising | Noncommercial, with no ads, according to Farm Progress |
| Funding | Voluntary yearly contributions from members |
By 2010, Farm Progress reported that AgTalk had more than 14,000 registered users and hundreds of thousands of hits a day. Many more people read the forum without registering.
Why Farmers Trust AgTalk
- Real farmers, real experience. Advice comes from people who work the land, not from advertisers.
- No ads or sponsored posts. The site is noncommercial and funded by member contributions.
- Fast answers. Busy boards like Market Talk often get replies quickly, especially during planting and harvest.
- Simple design. The text-based layout loads fast, even on slow rural internet connections.
- Strong community. Farm Progress reported that in 2009, members raised $25,000 within days for a member’s child facing large medical bills.
Main Forums on AgTalk
Forum names and sections can change over time, but you’ll typically find boards like these:
| Forum | What people discuss |
|---|---|
| Market Talk | Grain prices, USDA reports, futures, hedging, and marketing plans |
| Crop Talk | Agronomy, seed, fertilizer, herbicides, and pest problems |
| Machinery Talk | Tractors, combines, planters, repairs, and upgrades |
| Tillage and Planting | Planting depth, equipment setup, and no-till practices |
| Kitchen Table | Family, home, and everyday life |
| Boiler Room | Politics and hot-button issues |
| Classifieds | Used equipment, parts, and farm supplies for sale |
AgTalk Classifieds: The Digital Tractor Lot
The classifieds section lets members buy and sell directly with each other. Common listings include:
- Used tractors, combines, and implements
- Spare parts and tires
- Seed and supplies
- Shop tools and small equipment
Sellers often share details like hours, service history, and field use. Prices are usually negotiable, and buyers and sellers deal directly.
Market Talk: Crop Pricing Discussions
Market Talk is one of AgTalk’s busiest boards. Farmers discuss:
- USDA reports, such as crop progress and WASDE estimates
- Fertilizer and fuel prices
- Weather and how it moves the markets
- Forward contracting, hedging, and when to sell
Note: Market Talk posts are opinions from other farmers, not financial advice. Always check official sources and talk to your grain buyer or advisor before making marketing decisions.
Who Uses AgTalk?
| User | Why they use it |
|---|---|
| Row crop farmers | Market talk, agronomy, and equipment advice |
| Livestock producers | Feed, equipment, and market discussions |
| Ag students | Learning from experienced farmers |
| Retired farmers | Sharing decades of experience |
| Agronomists and dealers | Answering questions and following trends |
AgTalk is mostly US-focused, but farmers from Canada and other countries also take part.
How to Use AgTalk
Browsing
The home page lists the forums and the most active threads. You can read most discussions without an account and search older threads for answers.
Registering and Posting
- Register for a free account. You’ll need one to post.
- Pick the right forum for your topic.
- Start a new thread with a clear title, or reply to an existing one.
- Follow the rules. Keep it civil, and keep sales posts in the classifieds.
Private Messages
Registered members can message each other privately, which is handy for following up on a classified ad.
Mobile Use
AgTalk works in a mobile browser, so you can check it from the tractor cab or the field.
7 Safety Tips When Using AgTalk Classifieds
- Verify the buyer or seller. Check their posting history and ask for references.
- Avoid overpayment requests. Be wary of anyone who sends extra money and asks for a refund, a common scam.
- Meet in a safe place. Inspect equipment in person, at a farm, dealer, or other trusted location.
- Ask for real-time photos or videos. Request a photo with today’s date or a live video call.
- Double-check contact details. Make sure phone numbers and emails match the person you’re dealing with.
- Put it in writing. Write down the price, condition, and delivery terms.
- Report suspicious listings. Let the moderators know about scams or fake ads.
If you’re buying used equipment, also check the serial number and ask for service records. Our IronmartOnline reviews guide has more tips for equipment buyers.
FAQs
Is AgTalk free?
Yes. Reading and joining are free. The site is supported by voluntary member contributions.
Who runs AgTalk?
It was started in 2000 by Ohio farmer David Orr and fellow forum users, and it’s run by volunteers.
Can I sell equipment on AgTalk?
Yes, in the classifieds section. Keep sales posts out of the discussion forums.
Is AgTalk only for US farmers?
It’s mostly US-focused, but Canadian and international farmers also participate.
Is there an AgTalk app?
We didn’t find an official app. The site works well in a mobile browser.
Is AgTalk moderated?
Yes. Volunteer moderators enforce rules for civil, noncommercial discussion.
Conclusion: Why AgTalk Remains a Go-To Platform for Farmers
AgTalk has lasted more than two decades because it’s simple, free, and built by farmers for farmers. Whether you want to talk grain markets, fix a planter, or find a used combine, it’s a good place to learn from people who’ve been there. Just use common sense in the classifieds, and treat market opinions as opinions.
Also read these articles:
- IronmartOnline Reviews Exposed | 7 Must-Know Buyer Move
- TheOutdoorsTrader Guide | Buy, Sell & Trade Safely
- LandPro Equipment
This article is independent and isn’t affiliated with AgTalk. Forum sections, rules, and features can change, so check the site for the latest details.
