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Signs U.S. economy slowing down

A University of Missouri extension economist says there are signs the U.S. economy is slowing down.

Ben Brown says consumers purchasing less goods impacts farmers.

“Meat, and meat demand, and how that could impact grain markets,” he says, “but also how fuel consumption could impact not only ethanol and gasoline consumption, but also movement of products and goods with diesel fuel on made from soybean oil and other products.”

He tells Brownfield the threat of tariffs is also hanging over the economy.

“Here, for the next few months it’ll be interesting to see how these tariffs play out.”  He says, “I think it’ll lead to some sharp moves in the market, but overtime what it potentially could mean is less reliance on us as a trade partner and you’re encouraging other growers around the world to increase their production.”

Brown says the overall uncertainty around the U.S. trade situation could provide short-term opportunities for farmers, but they’ll likely be short-lived.

Brownfield spoke with Brown at the 2025 Illinois Soybean Summit.

AUDIO: Ben Brown – University of Missouri Extension