Extreme heat, expanding drought, rising fertilizer costs, and policy changes are shaping a difficult spring for farmers across the U.S., including the Four Corners region.

Record-breaking wildfires in Nebraska highlight growing drought and fire risks across the Plains and Four Corners, with impacts to ranchers and rural communities.

A historically dry and warm winter across Colorado is raising concerns about irrigation water supplies heading into the 2026 growing season, with reduced allocations expected for local farmers.

Colorado farmers face drought, low snowpack, and rising fertilizer and fuel costs as global tensions impact agriculture heading into planting season.

Farmers and economists question recent USDA corn estimates as fertilizer prices and global tensions add new uncertainty to the 2026 outlook.

New economic surveys show rising farm debt, falling equipment sales, and growing financial stress for producers, as wolf programs add costs for western states.

New trade and regulatory moves could shape cattle markets and farm equipment repairs.

New World screwworm and Asian longhorned ticks threaten livestock as the Southwest faces megadrought, low snowpack, and declining Colorado River water levels.

Farm leaders question whether Trump’s tariffs are helping or hurting U.S. farmers as rising input costs and global competition reshape agriculture and trade.

Farm News & Views reports falling snowpack in southwest Colorado river basins and growing strain on U.S. farmers from low crop prices, high costs, and trade impacts.