U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA’s chief economist says 2026 brings moderating costs, slightly higher crop prices and shifting acreage, but he warns biofuels policy and global competition remain key wild cards for farm income.
Confidence in USDA reports is wavering after recent acreage misses, leaving many producers and retailers skeptical. While experts call it the “best data available,” transparency is needed to restore industry trust.
The January Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor shows high input costs, weak prices, policy uncertainty and eroding trust in data have pushed many producers from planning for profitability to fighting for survival.
In addition to higher farm payments and better crop insurance, Paul Neiffer says the most overlooked impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill could be how farmers structure their operations.
Direct government payments projected to rise 45%
USDA’s annual report reveals the smallest total herd since 1951, with beef cow numbers falling to 27.6 million despite a slight uptick in replacement heifers.
During his trip to Clive, Iowa, Trump reaffirms support for year-round E15, backing corn growers and ethanol, while announcing John Deere’s expansion of two new domestic production and distribution facilities.
What if you only had to give your info to USDA once? NRCS Chief Bettencourt says that’s the goal, one file for FSA, NRCS and other agencies within USDA, so staff can get back to the basics of better serving farmers.
Lance Honig, chair of the Agricultural Statistics Board and a NASS official, addressed farmer concerns in a Farm Journal interview explaining the major January data revisions that caused corn prices to sink on Monday.
Research and polling suggests the money will go toward operating costs, paying down debt, and not be eyed for machinery purchases.