Rural Economy

Farmers and ranchers face rising debt, high input costs, weaker exports and drought as Colorado’s rural economy slows and Colorado River supplies remain strained.

This week’s Farm News & Views Report covers proposed Brazil tariffs, projected farm losses, specialty crop challenges, Farm Bureau policy priorities and CRP grazing proposals.

This week’s Farm News & Views Report covers USDA staffing cuts, higher U.S. crop input costs, sunflower-based rubber and new solar technology for farms and feedlots.

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.