Rural economies are in trouble in 2025, CoBank warns

2024 held a lot of uncertainty, and this year may not be much different. CoBank economists say the rural economy is in trouble, and the future is still unknown.

They say rural industries are often more exposed to federal policy than other industries. They also point to the November election and say there are a lot of variables with the incoming Administration.

CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange says 2025 is not yet fully defined, but says they are focused on export markets and labor, as they could be major players as the year pushes on.

Related Stories
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins signed six MAHA waivers for SNAP in Hawaii, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee.
Farm Journal Foundation Senior Policy Adviser Dr. Stephanie Mercier outlines new research on the top sixteen biosecurity threats in agriculture/
Rural employers are slightly more optimistic, but labor shortages and renewed price pressures continue to limit growth across farm country according to a
American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland shares the soybean sector outlook following the announcement of farm aid to offset losses for U.S. row crop growers.