RealAgristudies: 75% of Farmers Say 2026 Will Be Riskier Season Than Last Year

Real Ag’s Shaun Haney explains how farmers are approaching risk management and the steps they’re taking to strengthen profitability through better financial planning.

2026BrandGuidep45-AerialViewHouseInAutumnWoods_clay-banks-2flbLB0-2f0-unsplash_1920x1080.jpg

ALBERTA, CANADA (RFD NEWS) — New research from Real Ag Studies shows growing interest among farmers and ranchers in boosting profitability through improved financial decision-making.

Shaun Haney, host of Real Ag Radio, joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to discuss the findings.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Haney explained that 75% of farmers surveyed believe 2026 will be a riskier season than last year, citing economic pressures and market uncertainty as key drivers of concern.

The survey also asked farmers whether improving financial decision-making is more important than technology adoption or government programs. Haney shared that a majority of respondents prioritized financial strategy, and he highlighted differences in responses among various farm types and regions.

With strong prospects for corn and soybean markets this year, these insights suggest farmers are looking to combine sound financial planning with favorable commodity opportunities to navigate risk and maximize profitability.

Related Stories
Here is a regional snapshot of harvest pace, crop conditions, logistics, and livestock economics across U.S. agriculture for the week of Monday, November 17, 2025.
UMN Extension’s Emily Krekelberg outlines today’s top farm stressors, key signs of mental health distress in rural communities, and the resources available for support.
National Pork Board Chief Sustainability Officer Jamie Burr shares a closer look at the Pork Checkoff’s Pork Cares Farm Impact Report, a research program to increase trust in the pork supply chain.
Brooks York with Agrisompo joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report with some guidance on how producers can navigate their crop insurance claims for unsold grain crops.
For many farm businesses, property taxes on business assets have become a significant and highly visible expense, threatening liquidity, discouraging investment, and creating a disproportionate burden when compared to other industries.
Ethanol markets remain mixed — weaker production and blend rates are being partially balanced by stronger exports as winter demand patterns take shape.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Aimee Bissell discusses Iowa planting progress, weather conditions, fertilizer costs, and concerns over early crop development.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer discusses SDRP payment limits and offers advice for those seeking higher limits.
Mike Schulte with the Oklahoma Wheat Commission joins us to discuss drought stress in the Great Plains and the current outlook for Oklahoma’s winter wheat crop.
Farmers are closely watching upcoming U.S.-China trade talks as rising fertilizer and diesel costs continue to pressure exports, margins, and rural economies.
Genevieve Collins from Americans for Prosperity discusses rising Texas property taxes, potential relief, and impacts on farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.
Autumn Lankford Higgins with the Farm Bureau joins us to discuss data center expansion on farmland, rural policy considerations, and the role of agriculture in emerging digital infrastructure.