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
Geomagnetic storms have been occurring with increased frequency in space this year, with significant consequences for agriculture.
Crop diseases and pests are taking a toll on Kansas corn. Two crop experts from Kansas State University share tips for producers dealing with cutworms and armyworms.
The Illinois Farm Bureau shows how hemp can regenerate the earth and boost rural economies.
A slimmed-down Farm Bill is back on the table in Washington, with lawmakers pushing for a deal by Fall 2025. Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas weighs in with his outlook.

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:

Seasonal pricing strength is lining up with crop stress, giving wheat producers another weather-driven marketing window. AgriSompo’s Brooks York joins us to discuss the role of crop insurance in supporting mental health.
The spending bill keeps animal health and traceability funding in place while trimming several other USDA accounts.
Spring Fieldwork Advances As Weather Stays Uneven
March brought better prices for several commodities, but rising fuel and feed costs kept margins under pressure.
Farmers still earn only a small share of consumer food spending, even as post-farm costs continue to take most of the dollar.
Corn and cotton gave the strongest signals this week, while soybean demand remained softer than in the previous report.