NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD-TV) — New data this week offers a look at what the agriculture sector could face next year. CoBank’s 2026 Year Ahead Report identifies several areas it believes will shape the industry.
On the grain side, CoBank estimates a global oversupply. They warn U.S. farmers will face many hard choices before spring planting. For proteins, economists said heavier carcasses and smarter feeding will be key priorities in the year ahead.
Regarding the overall economy, CoBank said core inflation will likely soften further in the second half of the year. Economists also expect more interest rate cuts in 2026, following three modest cuts in 2025.
Digital infrastructure is also a key component of the report. CoBank reports a surge in demand for data centers, and rural towns are often ideal locations. While there has been pushback, they say companies like Microsoft and Amazon are writing big checks to be part of those communities, forecasting that communities rejecting data center projects could trigger significant financial losses for rural areas in the months and years ahead.
READ MORE: CoBank - Ample global supplies and trade uncertainty will burden markets in 2026
The campaign is about more than just a digital push; NPB leaders hope it will become a rallying point for the entire industry.
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The total value of the U.S. potato crop was $4.60 billion in 2024, representing an 8% decrease from the previous year.
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Crop-specific shifts and strong prices highlight the variability of this year’s fruit and tree nut harvest, according to USDA data.
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The decline in production marks the second consecutive year of contraction in the U.S. turkey industry.
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The USDA noted that peanut edible utilization season-to-date is down 3% on the year, despite overall stocks increasing.
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Dividing up a family farming operation can be challenging, especially for children who may not want to become farmers themselves.
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A booming butterfat market is good for some dairy products but threatens efficiency and margins for cheesemakers unless protein levels catch up
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Land values are increasing faster than farm income, making it more challenging for young and beginning farmers to expand, but supporting equity for current landowners.
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