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.
NEFB President Mark McHargue recaps the Farm Bureau’s Annual Convention, producer sentiment in Nebraska, and discusses key issues facing agriculture.
January 15, 2026 01:17 PM
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Congressman Dusty Johnson of South Dakota joined us to discuss key ag policy developments and his outlook for agriculture in 2026.
January 15, 2026 12:51 PM
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House Agriculture Committee Democrats are calling for action on the Farm and Family Relief Act, warning that proposed SNAP cost shifts to states could reduce food assistance for low-income families amid ongoing tariffs and trade disruptions that continue to strain U.S. farmers.
January 15, 2026 12:30 PM
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From “right to repair” to investigations into the “Big Four” meatpackers, antitrust issues were a major legal topic in 2025 and promise to have a long-term impact on the agriculture industry in the future.
January 15, 2026 12:05 PM
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Tight beef cow supplies and steady demand point to continued record-level cull cow prices in 2026.
January 15, 2026 11:23 AM
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A disciplined, breakeven-based marketing plan helps protect margins and reduce risk, even when markets remain unpredictable.
January 15, 2026 10:58 AM
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