Low commodity prices are dealing another blow to the ag trade deficit. USDA is now preparing for the third straight year of losses.
The Department expects the ag trade deficit to hit $42.5 billion when the fiscal year starts October 1st, which is a drop of $4 billion from this year, and marks the third straight year of declines since hitting a record low in 2022. Ag imports are expected to increase by around $8 billion.
The economy is tightening its grip on the ag industry. The Chicago Fed says farmland values are slowing in their district, and credit challenges are starting to appear. Fed policy advisers say repayment rates are also starting to slow.
Despite the challenges, they say farm balance sheets have been strong overall, even with less working capital.
Reliance on vegetable imports remains uneven, with domestic production still anchoring several major categories.
Farmland outlook is tracking closely with producer confidence, investment appetite, and financial expectations.
StoneX’s Josh Linville discusses USDA’s efforts to boost domestic fertilizer production and his outlook on supply and prices.
Landowners interested in protecting working ground through an easement now have another funding window open until the end of May.
Domestic demand policy may play a larger role if export competition continues to limit price recovery.
Tennessee corn and soy farmer Josh Ogle joins us to discuss rapid planting progress in the state, improving moisture conditions, and early crop development challenges in the MidSouth region.
April 30, 2026 05:12 PM
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