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.
Danny Munch of the American Farm Bureau joined us to discuss USDA’s latest farm income forecast, revisions to prior estimates, and what the updated data means for farmers heading into 2026.
February 06, 2026 12:27 PM
·
Representative Henry Cuellar (D-TX), who sits on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, spoke exclusively with RFD NEWS about what Congress is doing to address screwworm concerns, including funding for a sterile fly production facility in Mexico.
February 06, 2026 12:07 PM
·
HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy calls on cattle producers to retain breeding cows while Ivomec receives emergency authorization to prevent New World screwworm.
February 06, 2026 11:48 AM
·
The U.S. trade deal with Argentina creates new export opportunities for U.S. livestock and crop producers but also raises competitive concerns.
February 06, 2026 10:15 AM
·
Policies aimed at ground beef prices may primarily reshape dairy incentives rather than deliver lasting consumer savings.
February 06, 2026 08:00 AM
·
More flexible export financing could strengthen demand in emerging markets and support higher U.S. agricultural exports.
February 06, 2026 07:00 AM
·
Incremental trade clarity with India could support select U.S. ag exports, but major gains hinge on future market-access talks.
February 06, 2026 06:00 AM
·
Ranchbot Monitoring Solutions provides remote water-monitoring technology to help ranchers manage livestock water more efficiently.
February 05, 2026 03:26 PM
·
The House Agriculture Committee is set to debate a new, “skinny” Farm Bill at the end of February, according to a release from Committee Chairman Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson.
February 05, 2026 12:35 PM
·
