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.
While agriculture doesn’t predict every recession, the sector’s long history of turning down before the broader economy
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ARC-CO delivers the bulk of 2024 support, offering key margin relief as producers manage tight operating conditions.
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USDA’s steady yields and heavy global stocks keep grains range-bound unless demand firms or South American weather becomes a real threat.
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The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is helping connect veterans with resources to pursue careers in farming and agriculture.
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As economic pressures continue to squeeze agriculture, ag lenders are signaling a more cautious outlook for farm profitability heading into next year, particularly among grain producers facing lower commodity prices and higher operating costs.
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USDA released the November WASDE Report on Friday, the first supply-and-demand estimate to drop since September, just before the 43-day government shutdown.
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U.S. Trade officials announced new deals with El Salvador, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Argentina, as well as a steep reduction in tariffs on Swiss imports.
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Learn the conditions farmers must meet to qualify for this new three-year tax deferral on farmland sales, how much it could save, and other details to consider.
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