Farm Economy
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.