Farmer Sentiment Drops As Many Producers Face Another Year of Losses

Jeramy Stephens, with National Land Realty, says that despite today’s economic headwinds, farmland remains a resilient asset — and understanding local conditions is key to making sound decisions.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (RFD-TV) — Many in the ag sector are drawing comparisons between today’s farmer sentiment and the struggles of the 1980s, as producers face another year of losses. While challenges remain, experts say the picture is not all bleak: farmland values today are much stronger and showing more stability than they did during that earlier farm crisis.

Jeramy Stephens, Director of Auction Services and Land Broker for National Land Realty, joined RFD-TV’s Market Day Report to share his perspective on the economic pressures facing producers and how those factors are shaping the outlook for both farmers and landowners. Stephens pointed to high input costs, tighter profit margins, and ongoing uncertainty in global commodity markets as some of the key pressures weighing on producer confidence.

In an interview with RFD-TV News, Stephens emphasized the importance of understanding your local land market, particularly in a time when interest rates and regional land trends can vary significantly. He explained that understanding these dynamics can help farmers and ranchers make more informed decisions when it comes to buying, selling, or holding onto farmland.

Stephens also offered practical advice for landowners navigating today’s market. He encouraged them to stay informed about current land values in their area, keep strong relationships with lenders and trusted advisers, and be proactive in preparing for potential shifts in the market. Finally, he shared guidance for anyone currently considering buying or selling farmland, stressing the importance of having a clear understanding of both short- and long-term goals before making a move.

Related Stories
Crop producers face tightening credit and lower incomes, while strong cattle markets continue to stabilize finances in livestock-heavy regions.
Row crop losses in 2025 are outpacing last year. With no disaster aid yet approved, many operations face a tough financial bridge to 2026 even as Farm Bill improvements remain a year away.
Experts say farmers and ethanol producers would benefit from a risk-based ILUC system that protects forests without relying on speculative modeling.
CattleCon 2026 kicks off February 3 in Nashville. Kristin Torres with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association joined RFD-TV to share more about what’s ahead at this year’s event.
Farmland values remain stable, but weakened credit conditions and lower expected farm income signal tighter financial margins heading into 2026.
Jerry Cosgrove with American Farmland Trust explains why farmers and ranchers should start their estate planning now.
Elizabeth Strom of the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers joined RFD-TV to provide the latest perspective on post-harvest business planning and cropland markets in the Midwest.
Mary-Thomas Hart, with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, discusses the latest WOTUS developments and their implications for agriculture.
Only properly documented, unexhausted fertilizer applied by prior owners may qualify for Section 180 expensing; broader nutrient-based claims carry significant legal and tax risk.

Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.