The ag markets are holding steady as lawmakers work to keep the government running. As farmers look ahead to next year, farm creditors say inputs may be cheaper but that relief is hiding a bigger problem.
“We’re seeing large declines in expenses for feed, fertilizer, and fuels, although there are still some increasing costs for things such as interest on debt or on labor costs. Now at an aggregate level, we can look at this and say that liquidity and profitability ratios for the sector have been largely stable. Ratios are improving, but these aggregate stories really are masking sub-sector strain,” said Greg Lyons.
Crop receipts are expected to be down $32 billion from last year. It is one reason multiple ag groups have been pushing lawmakers to get emergency aid to farmers.
Dr. Gary Schnitkey from the University of Illinois discusses farmers’ sentiment toward industry consolidation, especially in the fertilizer sector, where costs remain historically high.
The dairy industry is encouraged by potential H-2A reforms while supporting renewal of the USMCA.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension is helping ranchers navigate grazing and herd management strategies.
Experts note that economic growth, fuel demand, and energy diversification are opening new opportunities for U.S. grain and ethanol exports in Southeast Asia.
The Potter Valley Project has provided irrigation water and hydroelectric power for over 100 years in Northern California, serving agriculture and municipal users.
The USDA’s new cotton initiative comes as policymakers continue to focus on stabilizing farm income across major row crops while balancing export exposure with domestic supply chain resilience.
