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.
Rising costs and tighter margins are shaping the 2026 outlook.
April 20, 2026 01:00 PM
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Oklahoma livestock economist Dr. Derrell Peel helps us break down the April Cattle-on-Feed report and what it signals for herd rebuilding, supplies and prices moving forward.
April 20, 2026 12:36 PM
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Tariff refunds are underway, potentially returning billions to importers, as agriculture groups push for a larger role in trade policy and investigations.
April 20, 2026 12:14 PM
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Patrick De Haan with GasBuddy joined us to discuss diesel price volatility and what farmers can expect as geopolitical tensions continue to impact energy markets.
April 20, 2026 11:26 AM
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Spring Weather Shapes Planting Pace Across U.S. Regions
April 20, 2026 10:24 AM
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Tight supply and logistics issues may raise input costs.
April 20, 2026 08:00 AM
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