MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA (RFD NEWS) — Economic growth across the Federal Reserve’s Ninth District continued in 2025, but agriculture remained a weak spot as lower commodity prices, high costs, and trade uncertainty weighed on farm states. That was a key takeaway from discussions at the Minneapolis Fed’s Regional Economic Conditions Conference held in early January.
While overall gross domestic product (GDP) expanded, growth was uneven and often volatile. In states such as North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana, agriculture played a central role in shaping economic outcomes, though not always positively. Farm profitability remained under pressure from depressed prices, elevated input costs, and high land rents.
Trade policy added another layer of strain. Economists noted that shifting tariff policies and retaliatory trade actions disrupted export markets critical to farm income. The stop-and-start nature of those policies made planning and risk management more difficult for producers.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Agriculture remains a key drag on regional growth amid weak prices and policy uncertainty.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Outside the farm sector, labor markets cooled but remained relatively tight, limiting relief on wage and service costs faced by agriculture. Construction and infrastructure shortages continued to drive up energy and transportation costs, indirectly affecting farm operations.
Looking ahead, conference participants said agriculture’s performance will remain closely tied to price recovery, export stability, and input cost moderation, all of which will shape rural economic conditions in 2026.
David Hardin with the Indiana Soybean Alliance discusses USMEF’s push to open new global export markets for both meat and soy-based feed.
November 13, 2025 01:10 PM
·
Some sustainability shifts are not particularly challenging and can be implemented with resources already available to farmers and ranchers on their operations.
November 13, 2025 01:00 PM
·
FD-TV’s own Tammi Arender caught up with Gregg Doud, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation.
November 13, 2025 12:05 PM
·
With the U.S.–Vietnam agreement nearing signature, U.S. cotton, corn, and soybean exporters could lock in new demand lanes just as global supply shifts.
November 13, 2025 11:33 AM
·
The government reopens after 43 days. USDA resumes key reports, weighs farm aid, and watches China’s next move on U.S. soybean purchases.
November 13, 2025 10:58 AM
·
Jeramy Stephens with National Land Realty shares tips for fall and winter to guide landowners and farmers.
November 12, 2025 03:40 PM
·
Iowa Ag Secretary Naig recaps discussions surrounding a potential federal aid package for farmers and shares insights on producer sentiment in the Heartland.
November 12, 2025 02:42 PM
·
Enforceable origin labels could create clearer premiums for U.S. cattle and address concerns some producers have had with competition from foreign imported beef.
November 12, 2025 12:39 PM
·
A court decision that overturns Enlist labels would remove two major herbicides from use and reshape EPA’s future mitigation policies for other pesticides.
November 12, 2025 12:27 PM
·
