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:

Both imports and exports are moving through the Panama Canal at a slower pace as the ag industry continues to deal with drought-related restrictions.
Recent developments in ag law and tax — that is the topic of today’s Firm to Farm blog post by RFD-TV-Agri-Legal Expert Roger McEowen.
The Cowboy Channel’s spectacular 55-foot float to include live performances by rising country music star Annie Bosko, escorted by a cavalcade of world-champion cowgirls
A glimpse into the mindset of the University of Kentucky’s trio of arborists as they relish their role in fostering healthy urban spaces across campus.
Getting strange calls or texts from “Amazon” after placing holiday gift orders? In this AARP Live Minute, experts from AARP reveal three Amazon imposter scams to watch out for as you navigate the holiday season.