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
Libby Lovig with Nevada Dairy Farmers discusses the “From Our Herd to Yours” campaign, National Dairy Month, and consumer outreach.
Industry leaders highlighted trade concerns, export opportunities and the importance of maintaining momentum behind the agreement.
Proposed legislation would require automakers to include AM radio in all new passenger vehicles at no additional cost.
HTS Commodities’ Lewis Williamson joins us to recap USDA’s latest Crop Progress Report, troubling winter wheat conditions, and key market factors shaping the markets as the growing season progresses.

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:

ASFMRA’s Troy Swee joins us to discuss farmland values, investor activity, rental market trends, and the factors shaping rural real estate markets in today’s agricultural economy.
Elizabeth Duncan discusses tonight’s ‘ProtectHer: The Weight We Carry,’ Nationwide’s commitment to mental health advocacy, and the importance of these talks in farming communities.
AEM’s Kip Eideberg joins us to discuss tariff policy changes, their potential impact on agricultural equipment costs, and the outlook for the farm machinery sector.
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities discusses late-season planting progress, market fundamentals heading into summer, and the influence of biofuel policy on grain demand.
New livestock pest research in Texas could strengthen tools protecting cattle health, movement, and ranch profitability.
Modern Ag Alliance’s Elizabeth Burns-Thompson joins Eliza to discuss the need for uniform pesticide labeling, glyphosate litigation, and the push for clearer, science-based environmental policy.