Rural Economy

This week’s Farm News & Views Report covers fertilizer price volatility, possible new federal farm payments and rancher concerns about labor shortages in responding to New World screwworm.

New World screwworm cases, high beef prices, weak grain markets and rising debt costs are adding pressure to U.S. farmers, ranchers and rural economies.

New World screwworm cases in Texas and New Mexico, rising fertilizer costs and lower projected farm income are adding pressure for U.S. agricultural producers.

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.