USDA says that the gap in the U.S. ag trade deficit will shrink next year.
The department’s latest trade forecast shows that the U.S. ag trade deficit will drop to $37 billion next year, which is lower than their previous estimates and down from nearly $44 billion this year. Last year, the U.S. ag trade deficit was $32 billion, and $17 billion in 2023.
USDA’s research arm shows the latest adjustment comes as exports are coming in hotter than expected. It is preparing for $173 billion in ag exports next year, adjusted up from their $169 billion estimate during the summer.
Exports are the lifeblood of many U.S. farming operations, and recent numbers show just how much they impact the overall economy.
USDA numbers show that in 2023, all U.S. ag exports generated $362 billion in economic output. Non-bulk exports reached $101 billion, generating an additional $120 billion.
For each dollar of exported ag products, USDA says it generated $2.06 in domestic activity.
USDA economists took a look at production costs over the last season.
Corn this year cost just shy of $809 an acre. Next year, they estimate those costs to hit $916. Soybeans cost this year ran $658 per acre, with next year estimates at $678.
Wheat is projected to jump from $395 to $409 an acre.
Roger McEowen with the Washburn University School of Law joined us to provide legal analysis on key cases shaping the agricultural landscape heading into the year ahead.
January 14, 2026 01:49 PM
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NASDA declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer. President Amanda Beal joins us to share NASDA’s new hub, which highlights the impact of women in agriculture worldwide.
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The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2026 agenda centers on labor stability, biosecurity, and economic resilience for family farms. Expanded DMC coverage improves risk protection for dairy operations facing tighter margins.
January 14, 2026 11:19 AM
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Agronomy experts explain why standing crop residue protects soil and reduces costs for crop growers, while shredding often yields little benefit at higher costs.
January 14, 2026 08:00 AM
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Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today unveiled a bold plan to protect the nation’s prime farm and ranchland from the rapid spread of data centers.
January 13, 2026 03:36 PM
Secretary Rollins also met with specialty crop producers at a local strawberry farm to discuss workforce needs and the Trump Administration’s recent wins related to significantly cutting the cost of H-2A labor for California farmers.
January 13, 2026 03:25 PM
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