Analysts say this week’s data around planting intentions was not surprising, and economists at the Farm Bureau believe trade issues played a role in the results.
“I think this year might have even more uncertainty than normal around the quickly escalating trade war and the big question marks in the biofuel policy space. These dual concerns and uncertainties with sliding prices as well for soybeans, I think, led to some of the significant drop in soybean acres,” said Betty Resnick.
For most farmers, business is as usual despite the current uncertainty in the industry. While this week’s information from USDA was helpful, one broker says he has his sights set a few months out.
”...The May WASDE report will help us to see our first balance sheets for the new crop, corn and beans, but overall, these numbers will change. We won’t see any major changes until we get that June report,” said Greg McBride.
Another big economic indicator out this week shows that producer sentiment is slipping. This month’s Ag Economy Barometer shows a 12-point drop from last month, and it comes after a 15-point drop in February. Economists from Purdue University say weak expectations for the future led to the decline.
Corn export pace remains the bright spot, but stable ethanol export demand remains a critical support for corn markets.
February 25, 2026 07:00 AM
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For communities that depend on agriculture as their primary economic engine, the recession is not defined by headlines on Wall Street. It is defined by the quiet disappearance of the businesses that once processed, serviced, and supported the crop.
February 25, 2026 05:00 AM
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Ag leaders say President Donald Trump’s State of the Union is unlikely to spark major agriculture headlines, but ongoing tariff uncertainty and trade policy remain key concerns, as does the debate around glyphosate and the status of the next Farm Bill.
February 24, 2026 11:57 AM
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Cotton jassid, a invasive pest, is raising concerns for Southeast cotton growers as experts work to understand its impact this season.
February 24, 2026 09:00 AM
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RFD Farm Legal & Tax expert Roger McEowen shares guidance on the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, its impact on renewable energy and agriculture, and what producers should know moving forward.
February 23, 2026 02:36 PM
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Brooks York of AgriSompo discusses projected prices and how farmers are adapting their crop insurance strategies as the price discovery period comes to a close.
February 23, 2026 12:32 PM
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