LITTLE ROCK, ARK. (RFD NEWS) — The Trump Administration’s 2026 trade agenda will continue its “America First” approach. White House officials say that, despite a recent ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court, tariffs will stay in place, selective trade deals will move forward, and critical industries, including minerals used in fertilizer production, will be supported.
The agenda highlights recent agreements with the European Union and Indonesia. Officials also plan agricultural trade missions to connect U.S. producers with overseas buyers. A new “plurilateral” agreement on critical minerals, including phosphate and potash, is in the works to strengthen domestic supply chains.
And USDA says the agricultural trade deficit is expected to fall to $29 billion this fiscal year, down from about $50 billion last year. Undersecretary Luke Lindberg calls it a 43-percent drop and says export gains in dairy, ethanol, and corn have driven the improvement.
The USDA says efforts to expand export markets will continue as the team aims to return to a trade surplus.
From geopolitical tensions to the Supreme Court’s recent tariff ruling, uncertainty continues to ripple across agricultural markets. Those unknowns don’t just impact commodity prices — they can also influence the land market, where confidence and long-term outlook play a critical role.
Jeramy Stephens with National Land Realty joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to discuss what the latest developments could mean for agricultural landowners.
In his interview with RFD NEWS< Stephens said shifts in trade policy and tariff rulings can affect farm income expectations, which in turn influence land values and buyer sentiment. While the direct impact of a Supreme Court decision may take time to filter through the marketplace, uncertainty itself can cause some investors and producers to pause or reassess expansion plans.
For property owners navigating today’s environment, Stephens advised focusing on long-term fundamentals. He noted that quality land with strong productivity, water access, and solid lease structures continues to attract interest, even amid volatility.
Despite broader market concerns, demand remains strong for premium farmland. Stephens said landowners considering selling in 2026 should monitor interest rate trends, commodity outlooks, and regional supply levels. Timing, property presentation, and understanding local buyer pools will also be key factors in maximizing value.
