Rural Economy

A new Farm Journal survey finds farmers increasingly concerned about rising fuel and fertilizer costs, trade uncertainty, and the future of rural communities.

This week’s Farm News and Views examines worsening drought across western rangelands, rising diesel prices, beef import concerns, and new satellite-based virtual fencing technology for ranchers.

Rising input costs and federal aid packages are shaping farm income in 2026, as women take on larger roles in agriculture nationwide.

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

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.

Ranchers in Colorado are frustrated by the Trump administration's recent decisions on beef imports and say they are creating uncertainty in the market that's bad for business.

Across the U.S., women are having fewer babies. In the first of a three-part series about falling birth rates, Evelyn Perry talks about her decision not to have kids.

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.