AFBF Economist: Farmer Losses Mounting Despite Federal Assistance

AFBF Economist Faith Parum discusses the financial challenges currently facing farmers and the Farm Bureau’s 2026 outlook for the farm economy.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Despite recent federal assistance, many farmers continue to face financial pressure. Rising operating expenses are pushing break-even prices higher, while commodity prices remain too low for many producers to fully offset those costs.

Faith Parum, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to break down what recent data show about farm income and losses over the past several years, including the role of federal assistance payments.

In her interview with RFD NEWS, Parum discussed the factors influencing farm profitability today, from production costs to current market conditions, and outlined policy options available to Congress to support the farm economy. The conversation also touched on discussions from the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual convention last week and the overall sentiment among producers in attendance.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Foreign trade partners, such as China and the European Union, are still purchasing U.S. commodities, but are becoming more cautious as the Trump Administration’s tariff deadline approaches in August.
Demand for farm loans surged in the first quarter of the year, topping the previous record set in 2016.
Congress is seeking insight from meteorologists and weather researchers on how new technology can enhance safety and response times to severe weather and prevent future disasters.
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer says the labor program will now be fully under her department, and consolidation will make the program more affordable and efficient for farmers and ranchers.
FarmHER Kait Thornton joined us on Thursday on the Market Day Report to talk about the podcast episode, her family orchard’s 100th anniversary + more!
Tennessee FarmHER Bridget Bryant’s porch garden evolves into a sprawling community outreach project that provides fresh produce to those in need and teaches urban kids how to grow their own food.