A recent survey from Purdue University shows farmer sentiment is slipping in rural America, and economists say today’s problems are very different than just months ago.
“Back in August, before the election, 22 percent of the respondents in the survey chose interest rate policy as one of their top concerns versus 20 percent choosing trade policy. Since the election, over 40 percent, an average of 43 percent, of the respondents to the survey have chosen trade policy as their top concern. While the percentage choosing interest rate policy as a top concern has been falling, and this month was just ten percent,” said James Mintert.
Right now, Mintert says interest rate policy is a top concern for just 10 percent of those who responded.
The DOJ is conducting a criminal antitrust investigation into major beef processors, following years of concern over market concentration.
Improved coffee output could strengthen the U.S. supply, but input costs and weather risks keep the outlook uncertain.
Estimates for 2026 harvested crops remain early. Corn and sorghum are below their reference prices, while wheat and soybeans are above them.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says USDA has been preparing for a New World screwworm outbreak for more than a year as officials expand sterile fly production and containment efforts in Texas.
Ethanol, sorghum, dairy, and cotton provide additional export support as major commodity trade markets remain uneven.
USMEF says several African markets continue imposing barriers that limit opportunities for American meat exports.