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
Bigger-than-expected corn and wheat stocks are bearish for prices, while soybean figures were neutral. Farmers may face additional price pressure as harvest accelerates.
“MAKE SOYBEANS, AND OTHER ROW CROPS, GREAT AGAIN!”
Taiwan’s pledge to expand imports strengthens export prospects for U.S. row crops, livestock products, and specialty commodities, while the USDA’s broader trade push seeks to diversify farm markets globally.
Farmers will need to closely monitor forecasts if the regulatory changes are implemented, as temperature cutoffs will replace fixed spray dates.
Under this agreement, SCDA will administer a program covering infrastructure and timber losses, as well as future economic and market losses.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Lyndsey Smith with RealAg Radio discusses how global trade dynamics could shape the future of Canada’s pulse exports.
Brooks York with Agri-Sompo joined us to discuss this year’s harvest price calculations and what they could mean for producers nationwide.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joined Rural Health Matters to discuss dental care access and improvement efforts across rural America.
“Farmers for Free Trade” warns that disaster is brewing as President Trump’s trade policy is causing farm input costs to rise even more.