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
A man accused of orchestrating a nationwide cattle investment fraud scheme has been arrested in California after being on the FBI’s wanted list.
Refining shifts could influence fuel and input costs.
Energy shifts influence diesel and fertilizer costs.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold provides insights on supporting aging populations in rural communities on this week’s Rural Health Matters segment.
OHFB President Bill Patterson shares an update from Washington on the group’s policy priorities and the issues shaping agriculture ahead of the 2026 planting season.
Ben Kurtzman with American Farmland Trust discusses the growing pressure on farmland and ranchland and the steps being taken to help conserve farms and ranches across the country ,as unrest in the Middle East adds more obstacles for producers.

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:

The USDA’s February WASDE report looms as the CME Ag Economy Barometer shows declining farmer confidence, and more ag industry groups calling for swift policy action.
San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo Association’s Trenton Priddy preview this year’s event, which is now streaming on RFD+
Dr. Peter Beetham, interim CEO of Cibus, joined us to discuss the status of EU gene-editing deregulation and its potential implications for agriculture.
Danny Munch of the American Farm Bureau joined us to discuss USDA’s latest farm income forecast, revisions to prior estimates, and what the updated data means for farmers heading into 2026.
HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy calls on cattle producers to retain breeding cows while Ivomec receives emergency authorization to prevent New World screwworm.
SharkFarmer host Rob Sharkey takes us on a tour of the John Deere showcase on the trade show floor of CattleCon 2026 in Nashville.