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
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economist Danny Munch explains how the Emergency Livestock Relief Program application process differs from other USDA aid programs.
For rural communities, this shift could mean new housing options for farmworkers and young families priced out of metro markets.
Sen. Roger Marshall, a founding member and chairman of the Make America Healthy Again caucus, joined us with his thoughts on the commission’s latest report and the key ag-related issues.
Katelyn joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to discuss her upcoming episode of Dirt Diaries: The FarmHER + RanchHER Podcast and share her ag journey.
California rancher and former NCBA President Kevin Kester joined House Republicans on Tuesday to tout provisions in the Big, Beautiful Bill that support family ranches.
The EPA proposal laid out two options: fully reallocate all exempted volumes to the 2026–2027 standards, or reallocate half.

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:

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) shares his perspective on the U.S.-China trade developments and their potential impact on American producers, farmers, and ranchers.
Rich Nelson, a commodity broker for Allendale Inc., joins us to break down what the U.S.-China trade agreement means for the ag economy.
Rollins will also tour a small soybean operation in Iowa before her appearance at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Tara Vander Dussen, fifth-generation dairy farmer, environmental scientist, and co-host of Discover Ag, joined RFD-TV to talk about her work in agriculture and her passion for sharing the story of dairy.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joined RFD-TV to discuss how seasonal stress and mental health concerns can make it more challenging to get a restful night’s sleep
Dr. Ashley Johnson, with the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), joins us to share the sector’s perspective on new FDA initiatives targeting ultra-processed foods.