Farm Economy
Inside the Crisis Threatening American Farms — and Why It Should Matter to Everyone
Backed by the USDA’s FIELDS program and private funds, eight projects across 16 states will expand domestic capacity by over 1 million tons annually to help lower nitrogen and potash prices for U.S. farmers.
Josh Linville says tight nitrogen supplies, rising demand and global disruptions to sulfur supplies are keeping pressure on fertilizer markets, even if tensions in the Strait of Hormuz ease.
Meridian Ag Advisor’s Wesley Davis puts data behind 10 puzzles in the 2026 farm economy. Three of them: land values that won’t fall, input costs that won’t ease and a downturn that looks like the 1980s until it doesn’t.
With global supply, production costs and geopolitics all in flux, corn and soybean growers face a tough call on how much of their 2027 crop inputs to price this fall.
The Night Sweats frontman says the mission to support small farms endures, even as rural communities face new challenges like data center expansion.
A new report commissioned by NCGA and ASA found 90% of 1,200 farmers surveyed say they are more or equally concerned about their farm financials than a year ago.
From fragile Wisconsin ground to deep Illinois prairie, Andy Benson and Ryan Frieders are adapting their soil-management practices to keep inputs working effectively, yields improving and their respective farms on course for a brighter future.
Increasing numbers of corn and soybean growers are looking for lower-cost inputs to preserve and protect yields.
After a $100,000 loss and rising weed resistance, Matt Griggs says he knew he had to make some big changes. His tough decisions helped the 144-year-old farm survive and prosper.
The federal farm safety net was designed to offset losses. But some farmers and economists argue it has become a profit enhancer, raising questions about land values, competition and the future of agriculture.
The farm economy is at a crossroads. High costs and negative margins are driving record government payments, but economists say innovation, lower costs and new demand are key to restoring profitability.
Analysis of 2023–2025 prices found U.S. growers paid more for nearly every seed and crop protection category examined.
With 400 groups in lockstep, Chairman G.T. Thompson’s labor bill moves to the House Judiciary Committee. The goal: Open year-round H-2A access for the first time since the program’s creation in 1986 and cap mandatory wage hikes.
Farm Journal’s June Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor shows a weaker ag economy versus a year ago, but more than 80% expect consistent or better conditions over the next 12 months despite ongoing margin pressure.
A three-year break-even is typical, but certain field conditions, farm practices and cost-share programs can move your ROI into the black sooner.
The joint letter highlights a 150% spike in fertilizer prices and calls for immediate relief for the struggling U.S. farm economy.
Some of the easier entry points for corn and soybean farmers looking to capture higher returns can deliver $200 or more per acre.
The May Farm Journal Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor reveals growing concern over farm profitability, rising debt costs and long-term financial stress, with economists saying many operations may need significant restructuring to remain viable.
From dropping phosphorus to switching from corn acres to soybeans, growers are navigating a difficult “recipe for success” as fertilizer prices remain high and grain markets soften.
A new survey of farmers and ranchers highlights growing frustration with Washington and reveals how the widening divide between rural and urban America continues reshaping politics, trust and the ag vote.
Producers report mounting pressure from higher diesel, fertilizer and machinery expenses, alongside trade uncertainty and rural healthcare concerns, as policy impacts and election-year sentiment weigh on the farm economy.
The U.S. House approved legislation to allow year-round sales of E15 gasoline nationwide, aiming to lower fuel prices while facing pushback over potential refinery costs and the impact on the national debt.
Fresh analysis from FAPRI finds passage of year-round E15 would bring limited near-term gains to corn prices, while SRE changes would put pressure on farm income and negatively impact soybeans.
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.