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.
At the White House’s “Celebration of Agriculture,” the Trump Administration announced a slate of policies to support farmers and ranchers, including biofuel mandates, SBA loan programs, and new labeling policies to boost domestic markets for ag products.
March 30, 2026 01:01 PM
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Expanded access could boost demand for U.S. exports.
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Margins shift across the chain based on timing.
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Exports depend more on demand than currency shifts.
March 30, 2026 10:59 AM
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Spring Fieldwork Advances As Weather Patterns Shift Nationwide
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SoilView’s Chris Nelson explains why soil testing is essential, how it enhances nutrient management, and why growers should focus on data-driven strategies to guide planting and fertilization this year.
March 27, 2026 04:16 PM
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