Farm News & Views

Farm News & Views examines USDA staffing losses, rising production costs, global market shifts, and trade challenges shaping agriculture in 2026.

This week on Farm News & Views, Bob Bragg looks at the rapid rise of agricultural drones and the impact of a new federal ban on foreign-made models, examines a UN report showing a slowdown in global food production, and closes with a reflective story about perspective, compassion, and the lessons we learn along the way.

This week’s Farm News & Views looks at a House bill to delist gray wolves, farm labor shortages driving food prices, and the history of mistletoe.

The Trump administration has announced a $12 billion aid package for U.S. farmers to offset tariff-related losses, but some farm-state lawmakers and specialty crop producers say more help may be needed.

Federal farm aid is expanding as USDA distributes emergency payments, announces a new $12 billion bridge program, and moves to prevent a screwworm fly invasion that could threaten U.S. livestock.

Ag economists are divided on whether expected USDA trade aid will help producers or create new risks, as farmers face low prices, high input costs, and market volatility.

The American Farm Bureau says the cost of a Thanksgiving meal for 10 is down 5% from last year, as turkey prices fall and weather-driven crop issues push some vegetable costs higher.

Drought, shrinking herds, high feed and energy costs, and slow herd rebuilding are driving beef prices higher, with impacts likely to last through the decade.

This week’s Farm News & Views covers trade aid for U.S. farmers, rising global competition in ag markets, and renewed wolf concerns in western Colorado.

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.