The Federal Reserve will meet next week, and there could be an announcement on interest rates.
They are a big topic heading into planting season, but frequent Market Day Report guest and Senior Market Analyst with Barchart, Darin Newsom, says tariffs could keep rates higher for longer.
“I mean, it just happens. We saw it before when we started getting into trade wars and putting tariffs on all of our trade partners. Inflation is sparked, and then that’s what happens, and then when you tell the Fed that they’re not allowed to raise interest rates to combat inflation, which is what happened last time, then inflation tends to get out of hand. So, you know, if the Fed is going to sit back here and watch all these trade problems go on and they’re going to see, okay, this is going to light the fire under inflation again, they’re not going to be in any hurry to lower rates, they’re not going to be forced to lower rates.”
The FOMC meeting begins next Tuesday, with a rate announcement happening on Wednesday. A summary of economic projects will also be released.
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
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The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
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Congressional leaders signal momentum toward expanded, targeted farm aid to help producers manage losses and cash-flow stress in 2026.
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Livestock strength is carrying the farm economy, while crop margins remain tight and increasingly dependent on risk management and financial discipline.
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Freight volatility and route selection remain critical to soybean export margins and competitiveness.
January 19, 2026 04:00 PM
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Strong balance sheets still matter, but liquidity, planning, and lender relationships are critical as ag credit tightens, according to analysis from AgAmerica Lending.
January 19, 2026 03:00 PM
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