Top Producer

The downturn in the ag economy has everyone from farmers and ag lenders to even ag economists concerned. Waning optimism is an overriding theme for the row crop side of agriculture, yet some farmers hope President Donald Trump’s tough stance on trade can get the ag economy back on track longer-term.

The March Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor found 62% of ag economists think the row crop side of agriculture is currently in a recession, and 85% think the situation will accelerate consolidation on farms and among agribusinesses.

Are you being honest with yourself? It’s time to set appropriate expectations and write them down on paper.

Machinery Pete data shows the used combine market is one year ahead of the used high-horsepower tractor market in terms of values.

Continued good demand into 2025/26 is likely as any positive tariff results wouldn’t end in one year — potentially sustaining the corn bull market.

Income tax law will change this year, and it will be dramatic. Though the crystal ball right now is fairly cloudy as to the final provisions, the changes will likely be beneficial for most farmers.

The majority of respondents in the March Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor agree the U.S. is currently in a trade war, but who wins? Ag economists say it’s not the U.S., Canada or Mexico but rather Brazil that could come out on top.

“We are using cutting-edge technology in farm accounting, and it also makes our partners easier to do business with,” says Brian Stark, co-founder of Traction Ag. “Farmers can avoid the paperwork nightmare and focus on farming—the time savings is super important.”

Chris Barron with Ag View Solutions joins the Top Producer podcast and explains that to double down on your cost of production this year, you should really be maximizing yield and profit potential.

Retired Farm Credit Services of America CEO Doug Stark gives his advice for building your organization’s culture.