Farm Economy
On Wednesday afternoon, President Trump announced a series of tariffs, scheduled to start over the next few days, on some of agriculture’s most significant trade partners. Some corn and soybean growers say they are bracing themselves for potentially more financial pain ahead.
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 opportunity to participate comes available at a crucial time, as growers are experiencing low commodity prices, high input costs and a variety of trade uncertainties.
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.
Not only is USDA releasing its first survey-based acreage report of the year, but it’s the week President Trump is set to unleash reciprocal tariffs. Market analysts warn it could be an explosive week in the markets, and farmers should prepare.
A small group of farmers had the chance to meet with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s team last week. They described the conversation as enlightening and eye-opening, but their biggest takeaway was how open Kennedy’s team was to hearing their point of view.
The senior senator from Iowa wants E15 approved for year-round use, fair and tariff-free trade, plus more action and a lot less talk regarding tax cuts and budget reconciliation efforts in the Senate.
With tariffs and trade in focus again, a recent AgWeb poll asked farmers if they support President Donald Trump’s use of tariffs as a negotiating strategy.
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.
President Trump’s new tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico and China have gone into effect. While the economic consequences are unknown, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has promised to have a plan ready for farmers, if needed.
The look at corn and soybean acreage under current conditions will be among the key focal points during the event, but it will also be key to see how USDA paints an export outlook with so much uncertainty surrounding tariffs and trade.
Time is running out for USDA to issue economic relief payments to farmers in the 90-day window set by Congress. According to some sources, producers are banking on the payments, even making business decisions based on projected payment calculations.
Three key provisions in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are set to expire in December. Planning now can help farmers prepare financially if the provisions aren’t extended, says CPA Paul Neiffer.
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins kicked off the 2025 Top Producer Summit on Tuesday morning, detailing her plan to advocate for trade. ‘We want to find market access for all our products,’ Rollins said.
Rollins’ confirmation was expected, as the Senate maintains its quick pace of confirming President Trump’s key cabinet positions.
From tariffs and trade to the possible impact of President Donald Trump’s plan to cut regulations and taxes, ag economists surveyed in the latest Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor weigh in on the main factors driving the ag economy in 2025.
A staggering 345% increase in government payments — from $9.3 billion in 2024 to $42.4 billion in 2025 — is the key factor behind the income boost.
Despite economic concerns, row-crop and livestock producers offered a mostly positive outlook on the future of agriculture.
During her confirmation hearing, she emphasized her dedication to agriculture and addressed her stance on ethanol, the Renewable Fuel Standard, tariff impact aid for farmers and Prop 12.
A recent AgWeb poll asked farmers where they plan to cut costs. Equipment purchases topped the list, but farmers also plan to scale back on fertilizer rates, use more generic products and reduce tillage or field passes.
Find out why University of Illinois professor Gary Schnitkey says maximizing profits may not mean maximizing yield.
The latest USDA American Farms and Ranches at a Glance report offers insights to how row crop growers are making a go of it financially in 2025.
USMEF and Soy Transportation Coalition leaders were among those weighing in on the decision, which could have cost U.S. farmers and ranchers an estimated $1.4 billion a week.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), commits to fast-tracking Trump’s legislative agenda by May, which is perhaps the biggest bill in American history. There will be unprecedented spending cuts to help pay for it all, along with newly proposed tariffs on imported goods.
A new report from Farmers National Company shows what trends are shaping land values as well as what to expect regionally.
The first trading day of 2025 saw the U.S. dollar hit a two-year high, but the strength of the dollar in 2024 also had a major impact on commodity markets.
Here’s a snapshot of distribution by state and crop as well as per-acre payment rates by crop for the $9.8 billion in market relief payments for farmers.
From trade and deregulation to alternative land uses and cash rent prices, ag economists have no shortage of issues on their radar for 2025.
Estimated payment rates per acre include $43.80 for corn, $30.61 for soybeans, $31.80 for wheat, $84.70 for cotton and rice payments are estimated at $69.66.
The CR includes nearly $110 billion in disaster and farmer aid, which includes $10 billion in farmer aid and $21 billion ag disaster aid. $2 billion of that disaster aid is specifically for livestock producers. The measure also includes a one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill.