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
Support policies that keep U.S. biofuels at the table—marine demand could materially lift corn grind, crush margins, and rural jobs.
Fans can catch all the action live starting next Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. ET, following Cow Guy Close. Catch it LIVE only on RFD-TV.
FarmHER Katey Jo Evans joins us to share her journey from farm wife to entrepreneur and advocate for reducing food waste.
Industry leaders say $11 billion in new investments could turn the tide as dairy producers face shrinking margins and growing uncertainty.
Export Inspections In Bushels Show Mixed Momentum Patterns
Expect firmer shop prices, leaner inventories, and selective hiring in ag-adjacent businesses — plan parts, service, and financing needs earlier.

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:

Trucking industry expert Lewie Pugh joins us to discuss rising diesel costs, challenges facing independent truckers, and the broader impact on agriculture and rural transportation.
The White House is reportedly moving forward with beef import tariff reductions as officials look to lower food costs for consumers.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney joins us to discuss the latest developments surrounding the Trump/Xi summit, what the negotiations could mean for U.S. agriculture, and
trade enforcement concerns.
Huma Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Fred Nichols joins us to discuss rising interest in carbon-based products, soil health strategies, and fertilizer cost concerns.
The lower outlook follows months of drought stress across major winter wheat regions, where some producers have abandoned fields or shifted acres to grazing instead of harvest.
Current estimates indicate the federal government could be forced to return more than $150 billion to importers.