NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — Rural and agriculture-adjacent small businesses saw a slight boost in confidence in November as the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index edged up to 99.0. Still, labor shortages and rising costs continue to pressure farm-country employers. The largest driver of the gain was stronger expectations for real sales, even as owners reported more uncertainty about future capital spending.
Labor quality remained the most pressing challenge across rural Main Street. One-third of small firms still cannot fill open positions, and 89 percent of those hiring report that qualified applicants are scarce — a persistent constraint for ag retailers, equipment shops, grain handlers, and service providers that rely heavily on skilled labor. Inflation pressures also resurfaced: 34 percent of owners raised selling prices, the sharpest monthly jump in more than two decades.
Supply chain disruptions intensified for 64 percent of firms, while capital outlays weakened, suggesting producers and rural businesses remain cautious heading into 2026.
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.
December 10, 2025 11:33 AM
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December 10, 2025 11:03 AM
Stable U.S. fundamentals continue for major crops, but global adjustments in corn, soybeans, wheat, and cotton may influence early-2026 pricing.
December 10, 2025 10:31 AM
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Tariff relief and new trade agreements may temper food costs by reducing import costs.
December 09, 2025 11:55 AM
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Grain farms still have strong balance sheets, but another stretch of low profits will force hard cost cuts, especially on high-rent, highly leveraged operations.
December 09, 2025 11:41 AM
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Tight Credit, Strong Yields Define Early December Agriculture
December 08, 2025 07:30 PM
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Lawmakers and experts react to the Administration’s long-awaited announcement of “bridge” aid to stabilize farms and offset 2025 losses until expanded safety-net programs begin in 2026.
December 08, 2025 05:40 PM
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Lewie Pugh with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) discusses the gap in truck driver education programs and how it impacts road safety and supply chain economics.
December 08, 2025 03:49 PM
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Cattle imports from Mexico remain stalled amid the New World screwworm outbreak. At the same time, Tyson closures add pressure on Nebraska producers and markets ahead of the USDA’s upcoming Cattle on Feed Report.
December 08, 2025 01:55 PM
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