Cloud of Uncertainty: Farmers are feeling nervous and patient for the upcoming planting season

Planting season is upon us with some crops already in the ground, but Nebraska farmers say there is a cloud of uncertainty overhead.

“I think farmers are a little nervous. We’re going to have to continue to see where it is, where everything is, and we’re going to be paying very close attention as to everything that happens. Whether we’re talking about this economic program, the weather-related disaster assistance, the conversation on taxes which will be heating up, or trade and tariffs as well,” said Jordan Dux, Senior Director of National Affairs with the Nebraska Farm Bureau.

Dux says the $10 billion in economic assistance announced by USDA last week will be helpful but other groups say it is just a band-aid.

Related Stories
Smaller cow numbers and a declining calf crop point to prolonged tight cattle supplies, limiting near-term herd rebuilding potential.
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined us with important insights on drug safety and rural health during the winter months.
Quinn Rutt of Upstream Ranch previews the Nebraska cattle operation’s 49th Annual Production Sale where buyers can expect standout sire groups and a blend of long-standing ranch practices with modern genetic selection.
Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, provides new updates on winter storm impacts and the outlook for rural power reliability.
Jessi Grote from the AgriSafe Network provides winter safety guidance for rural communities still recovering from the recent winter storm.
CattleCon 2026 officially kicks off Tuesday and continues through Thursday, bringing producers together to shape the future of the U.S. cattle industry.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Traders say that shift could eventually prompt the USDA to scale back soybean export projections, noting the outlook differs greatly for other grain commodities.
The federal government’s status is far from the only factor moving the markets on Friday. Two critical reports released today on producer inflation and the status of the U.S. cattle herd are also top of mind.
Brent Graves of StockShowAuctions.com takes us to Grayson County to see the damage from a historic winter ice storm and what it will take to rebuild.
UT Extension also offers tips to help consumers stretch their grocery budgets, including meal planning, sticking to a shopping list, and choosing store or generic brands.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar has four years remaining in her Senate term and could decide to continue serving in that role while campaigning for Governor of Minnesota.