Expert: Trade and Financial Uncertainties Weigh on Farmers Ahead of Spring Planting

Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities discusses current farmer sentiment, trade considerations, and the market factors shaping the outlook for the upcoming planting season.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS) — As producers look ahead to planting season, attention is being pulled in several directions, from newly released guidance on the 45Z tax credit to harvest progress in South America and ongoing trade uncertainty.

Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to share what he is hearing from farmers as they navigate the early-season outlook.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Williamson said producers are closely watching policy developments alongside global supply factors as they make marketing and input decisions.

Williamson also discussed U.S. trade, touching on the upcoming formal review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) scheduled for July, and explained how those discussions, combined with broader trade developments, could influence prices, exports, and overall confidence among U.S. farmers.

He emphasized that while uncertainty remains, producers are staying engaged and informed as they prepare for the months ahead.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The Pennsylvania Farm Show continues through Saturday, wrapping up another successful year of celebrating agriculture in the Commonwealth.
Shaun Haney joined us to discuss Canada’s new trade agreement with China, the potential impact on farmers and exporters, and what it could mean for U.S.–Canada trade relations going forward.
National Corn Growers Association Chief Economist Krista Swanson discusses corn supply pressures, market fundamentals, policy considerations, and producer outlook for the year ahead.
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.
The application deadline is March 8, 2026. The 1890 National Scholars Program aims to encourage students at 1890 land-grant universities to pursue careers in food, agriculture, and natural resource sciences.
Midland County Junior Livestock Show in West Texas features swine competition with top exhibitors, including Grand Champion Brinley Wilson, ahead of Saturday’s premium sale.