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Farmers say weak farm economy heightens uncertainty for 2026 crop year

Some farmers say the lack luster farm economy is creating unprecedented uncertainty for the 2026 crop year.

Brain Willott is a farmer from Missouri. “This is kind of a scary year. You sit down over the winter, and you figure up what you think you’re going to spend. What you’re think you’re going to make, and this year just doesn’t look that rosy. It’s concerning.”

Jason Lewis of Nebraska says there are several questions that need to be answered. “How are our input prices going to affect what growers are going to be doing? Are we cutting back on fertilizer or acres? How do chemicals fit in there? Are we going to start seeing the market shift? Are we going to start seeing the turnaround?”

Lewis tells Brownfield budgets and risk management strategies matter more than ever. “You have to sharpen your pencils to see what your return on investment will be. Use your trusted advisors to see where it makes sense to cut back versus where you really can’t cut back so you don’t lose that return on investment.”

Lewis says marketing strategies are also part of the puzzle so farmers can capitalize on rallies in the commodity markets.