The farm economy has several challenges ahead. Economists with Ag Economic Insights say tight margins are likely to continue and warn it will take some cost cutting to find profitability again.
“At this point, it’s a little unclear how much of the cost cutting is going to come out of the variable cost, the things that e get price sheets for, how much of it’s going to come out of the things that we do around the home, homesteading our family living, or machinery, or cash rents in our farmland values,” said David Widmar.
While there is likely a rocky road ahead, farmer sentiment is up. Economists with Purdue University say the Ag Economy Barometer rose 11 points last month. However, the report showed little change in how producers feel about the future prospects.
Larger operations maintain cost advantages, while softer equipment sales suggest producers are pacing machinery upgrades amid tighter margins.
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Mexico plans to release 202,000 acre-feet of water into the Rio Grande, offering temporary relief to South Texas farmers as Congress advances the PERMIT Act.
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The bill to once again allow schools to offer whole milk and 2% milk will now go to President Trump for approval.
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Plans are underway for the 27th annual Great Eastern Iowa Tractorcade, a June event celebrating farm heritage, tractor history, and rural traditions. Event manager Matt Kenney joins us to highlight the importance of commemorating farm heritage.
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Farm Legal Expert Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law joins us to share more about the North Dakota court decision and the its larger impact on agriculture.
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Frigid winter weather and rapid temperature swings have cattle markets watching closely for livestock stress, as analysts say fluctuations pose the greatest risk.
December 15, 2025 12:33 PM
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