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.
AFBF Economist Danny Munch shares a closer look at the dairy market and the forces impacting producers today.
January 29, 2026 02:52 PM
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Eliza Petry joins the RFD News team with a strong connection to agriculture and a commitment to covering the people and issues that matter most to rural America.
January 29, 2026 01:31 PM
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Farm CPA Paul Neiffer helps producers navigate farm program payments and understand the key details farmers need to know.
January 29, 2026 01:25 PM
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Todd Janzen with Janzen Schroeder Ag Law explains the updated ag data use agreement model and what it means for farmers and companies alike.
January 29, 2026 01:25 PM
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Sen. Amy Klobuchar has four years remaining in her Senate term and could decide to continue serving in that role while campaigning for Governor of Minnesota.
January 29, 2026 11:51 AM
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Beef x Dairy cattle with strong genetics and documentation are earning prices comparable to native feeders.
January 29, 2026 08:00 AM
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