How ‘America First’ Trade Policy and SCOTUS Tariff Decision Could Impact Farmland Values

Jeramy Stephens with National Land Realty explains how the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling and ongoing ‘America First’ trade policy raise new questions about U.S. farmland values and agricultural market stability.

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 discussed the Supreme Court ruling and what it could mean for those who own farmland, emphasizing the need for careful consideration in the current market. He also offered guidance to property owners navigating ongoing market uncertainty and highlighted factors to watch for those considering selling farmland in 2026.

Stephens noted that demand for premium farmland remains strong, making it important for owners to stay informed on market conditions and opportunities.

Related Stories
FarmHER Erin Cumings shares how Nationwide’s “Every STEP Counts” helps farm and agribusiness owners prioritize safety.
Shaun Haney, Host of RealAg Radio, discusses President Trump’s move to halt trade talks with Canada and Mexico over a commercial about tariffs launched by the Government of Ontario.
Input costs are top of mind for farmers, as they contribute to higher prices and smaller profits.
The review signals renewed scrutiny of China’s agricultural trade pledges and could reshape farm export opportunities depending on its outcome.
She saw him play besides greats like Dolly Parton, Bob Dylan, Conway Twitty, and more.
John Appel with the Farmers Business Network (FBN) joins us for a closer look at the 2026 Crop Protection Market Outlook Report.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) estimates that the move will save farmers and ranchers $2.5 billion each year. The group warns that new methods for calculating the adverse-effect wage rate would result in lower pay for foreign workers.
Higher rail tariffs and tighter Canadian supplies will keep oat transportation costs firm into 2026.
These “USDA Foods” are provided to USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) nutrition assistance programs, including food banks that operate The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and are a vital component of the nation’s food safety net.
Tyson’s closure reflects deep supply shortages in the U.S. cattle industry, tightening packing capacity, weakening competition, and signaling more volatility ahead for cow-calf producers and feedyards.
Gary Hall, co-founder of Hollywood Impact Studios Rehabilitation, joined the program to discuss using agriculture to provide opportunities and mentorship for at-risk youth in Southern California.
The agriculture workforce remains strong and diverse, offering meaningful pathways for students pursuing careers that support the food and farm economy.