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
USTR Jamieson Greer signals a narrower trade deal with China, adding more market uncertainty. The Farm Bureau also supports reviewing China’s missed trade commitments under the Phase One.
Southern producers head into 2026 with thin margins, tighter credit, and rising agronomic risks despite scattered yield improvements.
Credit stress is building for row-crop farms despite steady land values and slight price improvements.
The Lexington shutdown pushes national slaughter capacity utilization nearer long-run averages, underscoring how tight cattle supplies are reshaping packer operations.
RFD-TV Farm Legal and Tax Expert Roger McEowen explains the basics of Low-Risk Credit in Farming, and how an understanding of the farm credit landscape lets producers tactfully approach debt.
Mike Steenhoek, with the Soy Transportation Commission, shares his outlook on current grain stocks and transportation lines amid bumper crops filling bins across the United States.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joined Rural Health Matters to outline a few key reminders for parents about keeping kids healthy during the holiday season.
Farm Journal Foundation Senior Policy Adviser Dr. Stephanie Mercier outlines new research on the top sixteen biosecurity threats in agriculture/
Rancher David Kroa of One Man Ranch joins us to share the story of his remarkable Shorthorn cow, Trish, who is beating the odds.
American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland shares the soybean sector outlook following the announcement of farm aid to offset losses for U.S. row crop growers.
Tariff relief and new trade agreements may temper food costs by reducing import costs.