Farmers might have to make significant costs to remain profitable, economists warn

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.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

FarmHER Debra Lockard joined us Friday on the Market Day Report to discuss her upcoming show episode, which premieres on Tuesday, October 1 at 9:00 PM ET, only on RFD-TV!
Meet FarmHER Debra Lockard, a third-generation Tennessee produce grower who splits her time running two farms in West Tennessee and teaching ag classes that promote sustainable farming practices in her Memphis community.
What are some common mistakes that farmers and ranchers make regarding estate planning? Here are a few key ideas to consider from RFD-TV Ag Legal and Tax Expert Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law.
RFD-TV Farm Accounting & Tax expert Roger McEowen discusses crucial legal and tax issues for farmers and ranchers to manage operational risks in this Firm to Farm blog post.
The FarmHER crew catches up with fifth-generation California sweet baby broccoli producer Kate Hitchcock and her team in the middle of the harvest season in the Salinas Valley.