Farm Economy
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.
Paul Neiffer provides an update on SDRP as well as ARC-PLC payments. Plus, are you aware the IRS has released guidance on new bank loan interest deductions? The Farm CPA gives a quick overview of that opportunity, too.
USDA’s Brooke Rollins says the financial details will be unveiled next week. Some groups estimate payments could total in the neighborhood of $12 billion. “There’s people that can really use them. Everyone can use them…but we’re not getting real solutions,” says one Iowa farmer.
The Dec. 1 sale in Sioux County not only sets a farmer-buyer record for Iowa, but according to Jim Rothermich, it highlights fierce demand for premium ground as lower-quality farms see more no sales.
USDA says anticipated trade aid could be announced the first week of December, but ag economists are split on whether payments would provide relief or worsen lingering risks such as high input costs and market distortions.
Annual survey shows a traditional meal with all the fixings will require fewer dollars per person this year. But look to shell out more dollars if turkey isn’t the only meat on your menu.