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.
Fertilizer still consumes an unusually large share of crop value.
February 20, 2026 09:00 AM
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Kerry Hartwig from Sukup Manufacturing previews the grain management solutions they plan to share with producers at the upcoming Commodity Classic in San Antonio.
February 19, 2026 02:36 PM
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FBN co-founder Charles Baron previews the upcoming Farmer2Farmer event and how technology and AI are shaping the industry, offering growers practical insights and farmer-led strategies for modern agriculture.
February 19, 2026 02:08 PM
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Farm Bureau Economist Faith Parum discusses the latest Farm Bill proposal and the path ahead for Congress and U.S. agriculture.
February 19, 2026 01:28 PM
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Small Business Administration Deputy Administrator Bill Briggs joined us with an update on how the SBA is working to support rural communities and small businesses across the country.
February 19, 2026 11:41 AM
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President Donald Trump signed an executive order this week to accelerate domestic production of phosphorus and glyphosate, signaling that farm input availability is now treated as a national security risk.
February 19, 2026 11:18 AM
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