Even though we’re freshly in 2025, farmers need to think ahead to the coming years

As farmers prepare for next season, there is a lot to consider.

The American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers says you need to think long term.

“Yeah, what I’m focused on is thinking beyond not only ’25 but into ’26 or ’27. We can’t just assume that things are going to bottom in and bounce back quickly. So, for my clients, we’re really looking at their farm operations, their land holdings, and deciding what’s most efficient, where we’re maybe losing some efficiencies and some returns and kind of making plans around that. They focus on getting back to the basics of marketing, along with a lot of farmers I deal with. You know, a lot of us would admit that the good times kind of got us spoiled on the thinking things would never change, and so we kind of got away from some of the basics of blocking and tackling for a football analogy. But basics and marketing are planning to go beyond ’25,” said George Baird.

Baird also says it is important to not rely on a new Farm Bill. While progress is being made on Capitol Hill, he says no one can assume when a five-year deal will be reached.

Related Stories
Record ethanol production and improving blending demand continue to support corn usage despite rising short-term inventories.
Expanded school access to whole milk provides modest but reliable demand support for U.S. dairy producers.
Alissa White with American Farmland Trust joined us to provide insight into climate resilience efforts and strategies to help farmers manage weather-related risks.
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined us to share practical health and safety guidance for managing respiratory and skin health during the winter season.
Roger McEowen with the Washburn University School of Law joined us to provide legal analysis on key cases shaping the agricultural landscape heading into the year ahead.
NASDA declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer. President Amanda Beal joins us to share NASDA’s new hub, which highlights the impact of women in agriculture worldwide.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

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.
The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2026 agenda centers on labor stability, biosecurity, and economic resilience for family farms. Expanded DMC coverage improves risk protection for dairy operations facing tighter margins.
Alex Templeton works alongside her dad, sharing her life through social media and her blog Ag Talk with Alex.