Rural towns across the U.S. have seen sluggish economies over the last year, with plenty of ups and downs.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell acknowledged a decline in sentiment but assures everyone the economy is on the right track.
“The economy seems to be healthy. We understand that sentiment is quite negative at this time, and that probably has to do with turmoil at the beginning of an Administration that’s making big changes in areas of policy. That’s probably part of it. I do think the underlying unhappiness people have about the economy, though, is more of the price level.”
This week, Powell announced interest rates would be holding steady for now. Inflation reports earlier this month showed promising news. Both measures of inflation came in below analyst expectations, and despite those signs, inputs are expected to remain elevated this year.
Justin Wheeler with the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers joined us with insight into current farmland values and what to watch in the year ahead.
January 28, 2026 02:42 PM
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USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg joined us with a recap of the Malaysia trade mission and a look at USDA’s broader trade strategy moving forward.
January 28, 2026 01:49 PM
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Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition shares how extreme winter weather is affecting the ag transportation network and what producers should keep in mind as conditions slowly improve.
January 28, 2026 01:36 PM
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Greater transparency into USDA-backed lending can help rural lenders and producers better assess credit availability and investment trends.
January 28, 2026 07:00 AM
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Mixed product pricing and rising milk supplies suggest margin management will remain critical as 2026 unfolds.
January 28, 2026 06:00 AM
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Corn and soybean exports continue to anchor weekly inspection totals, with China maintaining a visible role, while wheat and sorghum remain more dependent on regional and seasonal demand shifts.
January 27, 2026 03:08 PM
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