Farm News & Views

Observers say the trade truce between the U.S. and China could hold for now, easing tensions for global markets and U.S. soybean farmers — but challenges remain. While China's purchases have pushed soybeans to a 16-month high, Brazil still has a cost advantage, and U.S. farmers continue to face high input prices and labor shortages tied to immigration policies. Meanwhile, new innovations like virtual fencing are helping ranchers adapt to tough conditions on public lands.

In this week's Farm News & Views Report, Bob Bragg discusses backlash from U.S. beef producers after former President Donald Trump announced plans to loan Argentina $40 billion in exchange for Argentine beef imports aimed at lowering U.S. beef prices. Ranchers and industry experts warn the proposal could harm domestic producers, poses potential animal health risks, and is unlikely to provide meaningful relief to consumers.

Farm organizations are warning that America's agricultural economy is sliding toward crisis levels reminiscent of the 1980s, as low crop prices, high input costs, and ongoing trade disputes squeeze producers. The American Farm Bureau Federation has urged federal leaders to authorize bridge payments and enact long-term solutions to stabilize farm incomes, while analysts note that diversified farms and livestock producers are faring better thanks to strong markets.

U.S. farmers are feeling the pinch as corn and soybean markets continue to fall — with China halting soybean purchases and redirecting its beef imports to Brazil and Australia. Meanwhile, new U.S. port fees targeting Chinese-owned and Chinese-built vessels threaten to raise export costs and further reduce global competitiveness for American grain. Cuts to the USDA and Forest Service budgets are adding to concerns for rural communities already under financial strain.

Farm economists say the U.S. ag economy is in recession, as trade wars, high costs, and lost exports to China deepen uncertainty for farmers.

Livestock producers, especially beef operations, see record profits in 2025, while crop farmers struggle with low returns, trade disputes, and echoes of the 1980s farm debt crisis. Economists warn of long-term risks as tariffs and high input costs squeeze margins.

The USDA projects a $47B agricultural trade deficit for 2025, sparking concerns about long-term trends and data transparency. Meanwhile, the Great Western Ranch sold in New Mexico, highlighting surging land values, and Congress remains stalled on passing a new Farm Bill.

The 2018 Farm Bill remains stalled as extensions drag on, leaving U.S. farmers facing uncertainty. Tariffs, volatile corn and soybean prices, and rising input costs threaten profitability into 2026, while global trade shifts cut U.S. access to key markets.

As corn and soybean harvest begins, U.S. farmers face near break-even prices, weak exports, and tariff-driven trade challenges, with policy fixes still uncertain.

Record beef prices, John Deere layoffs, stalled soybean sales to China, farmworker crackdowns, and Temple Grandin's new documentary highlight ag challenges.

USDA forecasts record corn yields, but tariffs and trade wars drive a $29B farm trade deficit, straining U.S. producers already facing low prices.

Over half of ag economists say U.S. row crops face recession, while Congress stalls on a new farm bill and USDA plans to close key research facilities.

USDA staff moves, trade uncertainty, and rising costs raise concern for U.S. farmers, while land values climb in every state. Here's the latest ag update.

U.S. cattle herd hits a 50-year low; beef prices climb while USDA relocates staff and faces criticism over agency disruptions.

Beef prices climb, farm bankruptcies rise, and tariff threats loom as the U.S. nominates a new Chief Agricultural Negotiator.

Farm labor shortages, trade tensions with Mexico, and falling export values paint a grim picture for U.S. agriculture in 2025, as prices and pressure on producers continue to rise.

President Trump signed a sweeping tax and spending bill boosting farm subsidies and defense spending, but slashing social programs, sparking sharp debate in Washington.

July 4th cookout costs remain near record highs as farmers face labor shortages, food policy scrutiny, and rising tensions over immigration enforcement.

Beef prices may climb as feeder calf supplies shrink. Today's report looks at cattle markets, drought impacts, and policy shifts in livestock and nutrition programs.

Amid rising input costs, trade tensions, and extreme weather, U.S. farmers—especially older producers—are facing mounting debt, mental health strain, and record-low incomes.

This week: alarming honeybee losses, weak farm income forecasts, ag export declines, wolf deterrent efforts in Colorado, and sweeping USDA budget cuts under scrutiny.

This week's Farm News & Views highlights veteran and female leadership in agriculture, the impact of a new federal health report on pesticide use, and growing concerns from farmers.

Tensions over U.S. ag exports continue as the UK rejects hormone-treated beef, trade disputes threaten soybean markets, and wolf management stirs debate in rural California.

USDA halts livestock imports from Mexico due to screwworm outbreak, while U.S.-China tariff adjustments spark hope for U.S. agriculture amid trade tensions.

Over 15,000 USDA employees left after financial incentives, affecting farming agencies. U.S. farm income declines, and economists warn of a recession. Meanwhile, Farm Bureau celebrates dogs with a contest.

U.S. farmers face uncertainty as tariffs disrupt agricultural markets. With global competition growing, experts warn that trade policies may harm the U.S. ag economy.

Farmers face uncertainty amid rising tariffs and the U.S.-China trade war. Issues with agricultural workers, avian flu outbreaks, and solar grazing add to the pressure on the industry.

Trade wars and tariffs put pressure on U.S. farmers and ranchers, affecting both exports and imports. Global market uncertainty leaves producers vulnerable, raising costs and impacting the food system.

This week's Farm News & Views Report covers market declines, budget cuts to agricultural research, and tips for farm business management. Also, time for soil testing in April.

U.S. agricultural economists agree that the trade war's impacts are troubling, while rising challenges in farming, fertilizer, and water allocation add to economic stress.

National Ag Day highlights farming's role in the U.S. amidst challenges like tariffs, workforce changes, and resource management in agriculture.

Farmers face a tough year as tariffs, fertilizer shortages, and trade wars impact crops, livestock, and costs, with some wary of political interference and government policies.

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins pushes for a 2025 farm bill, while facing challenges like trade deficits, regulations, and financial squeezes impacting farmers and ranchers.

The USDA faces criticism for cuts and delays affecting farmers, including staff reductions and frozen funds. The bird flu crisis also raises concerns over vaccination plans for poultry.

USDA reports show a decline in farm numbers, especially in beef and sheep sectors. Equipment dealers face challenges due to tariffs, while bird flu impacts poultry farming.

The January Ag Economists' Monthly Monitor predicts strong beef and pork production for 2025 but rising prices for consumers. Concerns over trade, tariffs, and immigrant labor continue.

This week's Farm News & Views report examines how Trump's tariffs on Canadian, Mexican & Chinese goods shake U.S. ag trade—from fertilizer impacts to export revenue.

Colorado's snowpack is a mixed bag as January ends, with some river basins below normal levels. Meanwhile, tariffs on agricultural goods threaten U.S.-Canada-Mexico trade.

This week, Farm News & Views explores state boundary proposals, rising bird flu cases, and farmers scaling back on equipment and inputs amid economic challenges.

As trade concerns grow ahead of the Presidential Inauguration, farm leaders worry about potential tariffs on imports, while beef cattle producers enjoyed a strong 2024.

The Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index offers insights into the 2025 agricultural economy, highlighting concerns over farmland prices, farm equipment sales, and trade issues.

This week on Farm News and Views: Remembering farmer-president Jimmy Carter, the tough 2025 ag outlook, better news for cattle and hog producers, and key issues to watch.

On this week's Farm News & Views: Congress passed a short-term budget with $10B for farmers, $21B in disaster aid, and a Farm Bill extension, but a March 2024 shutdown looms. Plus, reindeer facts!

Arizona's Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against a Saudi-owned farm over excessive groundwater use, Colorado's wolf depredation costs rise, and a new USDA report highlights family farm contributions.

This week on Farm News & Views: Mexican cattle imports paused over screwworm concerns, Ukraine's agriculture faces wartime devastation, and USDA launches milk testing for H5N1.

President-elect Trump's tariff threats raise concerns among ag groups about trade retaliation, risking U.S. farm exports and food supply reliance on Mexico and Canada.

Congress is negotiating a farm bill extension as a mass deportation of undocumented workers looms, threatening agriculture. Plus, Thanksgiving meal prices drop 5% this year.

As trade shifts, Mexico becomes the U.S.'s top agricultural export market, surpassing China. Meanwhile, farm bill debates and immigration concerns remain unresolved.

November's Farm Journal survey shows optimism for U.S. agriculture, with rising corn exports and anticipated beef herd growth by 2026. Wolf reintroduction and high deer populations continue to concern Colorado ranchers, as wildlife can impact both land and livestock.

A pig in Oregon has tested positive for H5N1 bird flu, raising concerns about human infection risk. Meanwhile, droughts hit Mississippi River shipping, and OSU explores seaweed to reduce cattle methane.

Farm income is projected to drop sharply in 2024, raising concerns among producers, while McDonald's lawsuit against beef giants over alleged price-fixing could bring changes to the industry.