WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. farm income is expected to be slightly lower in 2026, but the picture is more mixed than the headline number suggests. Economists with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) say higher government payments and steady expenses are helping cushion another year of market pressure.
Net farm income is forecast at $153.4 billion, down less than 1 percent from 2025. Net cash farm income, which better reflects money moving through farm accounts, is actually projected to rise to $158.5 billion. After adjusting for inflation, both measures remain above long-term averages.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Income support helps, but farm finances remain tight heading into 2026.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
The drag comes from cash receipts. Total farm receipts are expected to fall to $514.7 billion, driven largely by weaker livestock, dairy, and egg prices. Crop receipts show a modest nominal increase, led by corn, though gains fade after inflation.
Government payments are projected to rise sharply to $44.3 billion in 2026, driven by higher commodity program payments and continued disaster assistance. Production expenses are forecast to stay relatively flat, with higher livestock purchases and labor costs offset by lower feed and energy spending.
Improved export prospects and higher crop prices strengthened future expectations despite continued caution about spending.
December 03, 2025 01:52 PM
·
While the agriculture industry hoped details on proposed “bridge” payments for farmers would be released this week, Ag Secretary Brook Rollins said the USDA is still working with the White House on the finer points.
December 03, 2025 01:36 PM
·
December 02, 2025 11:38 AM
Strong demand supports sweet potatoes, but grading challenges and rising costs weigh on returns for Southeastern growers.
December 02, 2025 06:17 AM
·
Pressure on grain storage capacity and stronger export positioning are pushing more grain onto railroads, highways, and river systems as logistics become a key bottleneck this fall.
December 01, 2025 05:09 PM
·
The Cotton-4 are pushing hard for new value chain investments. Still, many U.S. cotton producers face unsustainable losses, and weakened regional textile capacity threatens the survival of the Carolina “dirt-to-shirt” supply chain.
December 01, 2025 05:03 PM
·
