Higher interest rates have taken a toll on Rural America. While most farmers would like them to come down, it is looking more and more unlikely.
Economist Ben Brown says they could inch up before they come back down:
“Given the inflation data that we’ve seen both at the consumer level and at the wholesale level the last couple of months, I have a really hard time seeing how the Fed can just maintain interest rates where they’re at—and certainly I wouldn’t remove the possibility of an interest rate hike here before May or June,” Brown said. “To look at last week’s inflation data, the Consumer Price Index came up month-over-month higher than even what the expectations are. That’s the third straight month that we’ve seen inflation come in hotter than expected, and the Producer Price Index was also up, signaling that wholesale inflation will eventually trickle down to consumer inflation as well, so I do think we’re seeing the prices increase faster than they expected. I think that’s got the Federal Reserve a little bit concerned.”
Ben Brown, Economist
This month’s inflation reports both came in hotter than expected, showing high prices remain sticky. Brown says he believes prices are still rising faster than expected, and that could lead the Fed to take action in the coming weeks.
Related Stories
Caleb Ragland, president of the American Soybean Association (ASA), shares his reaction to news of soybean sales to China, which is considered both “welcome news” and a return to near-normal trade relations.
Rabobank’s outlook signals a tightening margin environment, emphasizing the need for cost control, trade stability, and clearer policy signals heading into 2026.
Treat succession like any major crop — plan early, document clearly, and calibrate cash flow so the next generation can succeed.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to discuss the implications for farmers.
RFD-TV tax expert Roger McEowen discusses the renewed tax provision and how cattle producers can take advantage of it to recover investments in heifer retention and herd expansion more quickly.
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) shares his perspective on the U.S.-China trade developments and their potential impact on American producers, farmers, and ranchers.
