Policy Uncertainty Adds Risk to Farm Planning Decisions

Policy awareness is becoming part of everyday risk management.

2026BrandGuidep42-CombineInBrownField_getty-images-bJ9v3lHBcLQ-unsplash_1920x1080.jpg

Getty Images

LAKELAND, Fla. (RFD NEWS) — Government programs and policy debates are expected to heavily influence farm profitability heading into 2026.

AgAmerica Lending notes recent federal aid — including bridge assistance payments — may provide short-term relief, but does not resolve long-term margin pressure. Meanwhile, unresolved Farm Bill negotiations leave producers without clarity on future safety net programs.

Regulatory changes also remain in focus. Proposed WOTUS revisions, labor policy adjustments, and increased antitrust scrutiny of input suppliers could all alter operating costs and risk exposure.

Trade conditions add another variable. Export demand may improve slightly, but China remains unpredictable, and tariff policy could affect fertilizer and machinery expenses.

Together, these factors mean marketing decisions increasingly depend on Washington policy as much as supply and demand fundamentals.

Related Stories
The bovine case was detected in a three-month-old calf in Zavala County, Texas.
Funding will support studies focused on production challenges, crop management and new opportunities for growers.
John and Savannah Scarborough have expanded their operation to include livestock, microgreens, and compost production.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold addressed growing concerns surrounding Lyme disease and other illnesses carried by ticks.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Strong rail and ocean demand support grain movement, but weak barge traffic and high diesel costs keep freight pressure elevated.
The challenge is adoption.
The work could apply to ready-to-eat meals and delicate foods such as freeze-dried berries.
Corn exports remained active the week of May 7, but weak soybean, cotton, and sorghum sales kept attention on China and late-year demand.
Conservation programs may work better when they recognize yield risk and cash-flow pressure during adoption.
Cotton growers can use the survey to compare nutrient, herbicide, and pest-management practices against national production benchmarks.