NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD-TV) — Producers are closing out 2025 facing deep financial losses and no approved disaster aid from Washington, even as projected income shortfalls exceed last year’s. High input costs and weak commodity prices are squeezing margins across nearly every major crop, leaving many farms relying on operating credit and off-farm income to bridge into 2026.
Analysis from Dr. Bart Fischer at Texas A&M’s Agriculture and Food Policy Center shows all major commodities tracked by USDA are projected to lose more than $100 per acre this year, with rice losses roughly doubling last year’s levels. Soybeans are the lone crop with slightly better price prospects thanks to a new trade agreement with China, yet projected returns remain firmly negative.
On the ground, growers are wrestling with cash-flow shortfalls, bigger operating loans, and pressure from rising land rents and stubborn input costs. After eight years of ad hoc disaster aid, many producers are wary of more one-off checks, but see few alternatives in the current price environment.
Regions heavily dependent on row crops are feeling the most acute strain, while specialty crops such as sugar also face substantial losses that fall outside traditional commodity support benchmarks. Meanwhile, lingering trade uncertainty continues to cloud export-driven areas.
Looking ahead, the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act (OBBBA) will strengthen the farm safety net beginning with the 2025 crop year, but most payments won’t arrive until October 2026. Without interim assistance, Fischer warns the gap between current losses and future support could force more restructuring, asset sales, or exits from farming.
Farm-Level Takeaway: 2025 row-crop losses are outpacing last year. With no disaster aid yet approved, many operations face a tough financial bridge to 2026 even as Farm Bill improvements remain a year away.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist
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.
October 01, 2025 12:47 PM
·
“American soybean farmers—who are already reeling from your sweeping tariffs—deserve better.”
October 01, 2025 12:33 PM
·
The shutdown is yet another hurdle for producers navigating a challenging year marked by high input costs, volatile markets, and uncertain trade conditions.
October 01, 2025 10:45 AM
·
Farmers will need to closely monitor forecasts if the regulatory changes are implemented, as temperature cutoffs will replace fixed spray dates.
September 30, 2025 04:39 PM
·
With China’s pullback, U.S. sorghum producers must broaden their export markets. Building connections now could help stabilize prices and demand for the upcoming larger crop.
September 30, 2025 04:23 PM
·
Higher domestic rail tariffs and mixed capacity shifts will influence grain movement this harvest. Strong corn exports provide momentum, but logistics costs remain a critical factor.
September 30, 2025 04:12 PM
·
Alan Bjerga, with the National Milk Producers Federation, joined us on Tuesday from Wisconsin with his Dairy Industry Outlook.
September 30, 2025 01:27 PM
·
Gov. Gavin Newsom has until October 12 to sign a bill passed by the California state legislature allowing E15 sales.
September 30, 2025 12:59 PM
·
The Final Grain Stocks Report may be the last key figures we see if a government shutdown halts future updates.
September 30, 2025 12:25 PM
·
