Mixed Results: Ag economists are hoping for the best for the year ahead but it may take patience

Some ag analysts do not have the most optimistic outlook for the season ahead. Right now, they are watching several issues but say the bad times will not last forever.

“When you look at the crop sector of U.S. agriculture, we just have to work through these very large supplies. It sometimes takes us a while to do that, and so, even though prices are relatively low right now, in two to three years, we’ll probably be in a situation where crop prices are more similar to the break-even prices. The livestock sector, particularly the beef sector, is going to continue to do strong, and not only in 2025 but probably well into ’26,” said Michael Langemeier.

USDA’s most recent farm income forecast shows profits are set to increase for the first time this year since 2022. However, there is a catch, as those increases are largely due to the assistance package Congress passed late last year, and recently released by Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins.

Related Stories
Supporters say the bill would improve workforce access while bringing more predictability to labor costs.
Industry leaders say rising Tier 2 imports are adding pressure to domestic producers.
Roland Leatherwood with The Mosaic Company discusses field scouting, nutrient deficiency detection, tissue sampling, and in-season nutrient management amid high fertilizer prices.
Ag & Business Legal Strategies’ Joe Peiffer discusses Chapter 12 bankruptcy trends in agriculture and rising risks as farm income declines.
Storage preparation remains an important step as wheat harvest moves north.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

OSU Veterinarian Dr. Rosslyn Biggs joins us to discuss early detection tips and the path forward in protecting livestock from the New World Screwworm.
Global markets react to events in the Middle East as world leaders gather at the G7 Summit, affecting agriculture, energy, and trade. RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney joins us to discuss the developments and their potential impact on agriculture.
As cattle producers continue to navigate labor constraints and rising production demands, innovation in handling systems will remain a key driver of the industry’s long-term efficiency and safety goals.