Farm Economy
Key farm-state races may determine control of Senate; key leadership roles set to shift
Meridian Ag Advisor’s Wesley Davis puts data behind 10 puzzles in the 2026 farm economy. Three of them: land values that won’t fall, input costs that won’t ease and a downturn that looks like the 1980s until it doesn’t.
Josh Linville says tight nitrogen supplies, rising demand and global disruptions to sulfur supplies are keeping pressure on fertilizer markets, even if tensions in the Strait of Hormuz ease.
Purdue-CME Ag Economy Barometer drops 18 points as input costs hit record concern and less than half of farmers say the U.S. is on the “right track.”
For the first time since June 2024, more farmers expect financial improvement ahead, yet investment intentions dropped in August as producers navigate an environment where ‘returns on large investment aren’t necessarily obvious.’
Equipment stocks jumped after Q2 earnings, but CEO Gerrit Marx says depressed crop prices and high input costs are keeping a full recovery on hold.
The farm economy is at a crossroads. High costs and negative margins are driving record government payments, but economists say innovation, lower costs and new demand are key to restoring profitability.
As margins squeeze producer confidence, the Purdue-CME Ag Economy Barometer highlights deep skepticism over AI tools alongside a massive gap in expectations between crop and livestock sectors.
Analysis of 2023–2025 prices found U.S. growers paid more for nearly every seed and crop protection category examined.
Farm Journal’s June Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor shows a weaker ag economy versus a year ago, but more than 80% expect consistent or better conditions over the next 12 months despite ongoing margin pressure.