Farm Economy
Fresh analysis from FAPRI finds passage of year-round E15 would bring limited near-term gains to corn prices, while SRE changes would pressure both farm income and government costs.
Today’s market is evolving, not just correcting, according to ag economists. To win the long game, farmers are using generics and delaying machinery purchases as trade shifts to allies and consumers demand premium meat portions.
As the farm share of the food dollar hits historic lows, new USDA data reveals a widening gap between the grocery aisle and the farm gate.
After a nearly $900 billion surge in growth over the past year, the U.S. food and agriculture industry continues to serve as a primary engine for national commerce, trade and local economic stability across every state, a new study shows.
The RFS Set 2 rule is projected to increase net farm income by $4 billion and create a $31 billion market for corn and soybean oil while supporting 100,000 new rural jobs.
Action expected within weeks as lawmakers push for post-Easter progress on emergency relief and regulatory fixes.
Richard Fordyce with USDA confirms momentum for assistance as Congress seeks to mitigate economic impacts of Iran conflict.
USDA’s chief economist says 2026 brings moderating costs, slightly higher crop prices and shifting acreage, but he warns biofuels policy and global competition remain key wild cards for farm income.
According to the National Cotton Council’s (NCC) Planting Intentions Survey, U.S. cotton producers intend to plant 9.0 million cotton acres this spring, a 3.2% decline from 2025, with a nearly 21% drop in the Mid-South.
The January Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor shows high input costs, weak prices, policy uncertainty and eroding trust in data have pushed many producers from planning for profitability to fighting for survival.
While some producers managed to stay profitable in 2025, most struggled under tight margins, making them the exception rather than the rule, according to ag lender Alan Hoskins.
In addition to higher farm payments and better crop insurance, Paul Neiffer says the most overlooked impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill could be how farmers structure their operations.
During his trip to Clive, Iowa, Trump reaffirms support for year-round E15, backing corn growers and ethanol, while announcing John Deere’s expansion of two new domestic production and distribution facilities.
After years of losses, debt is piling up and new government payments won’t fill the hole. At a breaking point, more farmers are expected to leave the business this year, some by choice, others forced out by lenders.
The December Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor shows the farm economy will likely stay strained into 2026. As crops face tight margins, biofuels policy — especially E15 and biomass-based diesel — could influence recovery.
Heading into 2026, markets hinge on EPA biofuel rules, global fertilizer supply and acreage shifts. StoneX warns tight inputs, policy delays and weather risk will shape crop prices and farm margins.
Will 2026 be a repeat of 2016? Chris Barron, Ag View Solutions, shares four strategies to help farmers capture some profit in this down cycle.
Arkansas farmer Nathan Reed says irrigation, insurance limits and global competition are deepening the downturn as Southern producers are now deciding what to plant based on what will lose the least amount of money.
Farmers weigh in on the pros and cons of federal aid programs and what they believe is needed to adopt regenerative practices in today’s environment of tight margins.
Alongside strong growth in farm loans, liquidity at commercial agricultural banks tightened and earnings increased during the third quarter.
New research is literally testing the waters to see if post-harvest fields offer an untapped profit opportunity for farmers.
As farmers look ahead to 2026, grain markets are sending mixed signals based on record corn exports, large supplies, federal payments and ongoing China trade uncertainty.
Farmers need to be prepared to pay substantially more for their coverage in 2026, unless Congress acts now to address the impending price surge.
Record corn exports are tightening stocks and lifting prices, but long-term strength depends on expanding domestic demand. Could year-round E15 overcome legislative hurdles in Washington and change the market trajectory?
Commodity prices have not kept pace with rising costs, leaving many row crop growers struggling to keep their operations on positive footing headed into the new year.
The bridge payment announcement coincides with the busiest time of year with higher volumes of land sales; 40% or greater of annual volumes occur in the fourth quarter for some ag real estate companies.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says China is making progress on its commitment to buy U.S. soybeans, hitting the “correct cadence,” with purchases expected to wrap by February 2026 — underscoring ongoing trade commitments and support for farmers.