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
Strong Farm Credit finances help cushion producers, but prolonged low crop margins could strain renewals in 2026.
USDA data confirms that U.S. agriculture remains overwhelmingly family-run despite structural shifts in scale and production, according to a new analystis by Farm Flavor.

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:

Braden Pridemore and Casey Riemer reflect on their experiences since filming “Farmer Wants a Wife,” and the family traditions and important lessons they’ve shared from life on the farm.
Roland Leatherwood with The Mosaic Company discusses field scouting, nutrient deficiency detection, tissue sampling, and in-season nutrient management amid high fertilizer prices.
Ag & Business Legal Strategies’ Joe Peiffer discusses Chapter 12 bankruptcy trends in agriculture and rising risks as farm income declines.
Governor Greg Abbott announced a free online training course through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service on June 13.
OSU Veterinarian Dr. Rosslyn Biggs joins us to discuss early detection tips and the path forward in protecting livestock from the New World Screwworm.
Global markets react to events in the Middle East as world leaders gather at the G7 Summit, affecting agriculture, energy, and trade. RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney joins us to discuss the developments and their potential impact on agriculture.