Ag equipment sales have dropped over the past year, and analysts expect that trend to continue. However, one economist is more concerned about another area that remains vulnerable as tariffs persist.
“If you move upstream to the agricultural input industries, the John Deeres, the Cases, and so on, that’s a huge concern. We will probably create exemptions or cutouts for most of the higher-value, higher-cost elements in agriculture, but I think it is really straightforward. It’s corn and soybeans. It’s apples. It’s almonds. It’s pistachios. It is some version of processed and canned and easily shipped things,” said Bruce Sherrick with the University of Illinois.
Ag inputs, like feed ingredients and fertilizers, are exempt from higher tariffs for now, but ag equipment makers are feeling the effects. AgCo and CNH both reported double-digit sales drops last quarter. Leaders at AgCO say they are staying nimble amid the uncertainty.
The proposal signals a renewed push to offset tariff-driven losses, stabilize nutrition programs, and broaden eligibility for farm aid, though its path forward will depend on congressional negotiations.
January 16, 2026 11:58 AM
·
House Agriculture Committee Democrats are calling for action on the Farm and Family Relief Act, warning that proposed SNAP cost shifts to states could reduce food assistance for low-income families amid ongoing tariffs and trade disruptions that continue to strain U.S. farmers.
January 15, 2026 12:30 PM
·
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney discusses the latest developments in the Supreme Court, trade tariffs, and the future of the USMCA under President Donald Trump.
January 14, 2026 11:54 AM
·
China’s beef policy risk stems from domestic volatility, making export demand inherently unstable. Jake Charleston with Specialty Risk Insurance offers his perspective on cattle markets, risk management, and producer sentiment.
January 13, 2026 02:13 PM
·
Trade uncertainty—especially regarding soybeans—continues to weigh on future outlooks, even as farm finances and land values remain resilient.
January 06, 2026 03:09 PM
·
A look at the legislative year ahead as lawmakers return to Washington with a slate of trade concerns to tackle in 2026—from new Chinese tariffs on beef imports to the USMCA review this summer.
January 05, 2026 12:20 PM
·
