Trade and Tariffs

U.S. farmers are feeling the pinch as corn and soybean markets continue to fall — with China halting soybean purchases and redirecting its beef imports to Brazil and Australia. Meanwhile, new U.S. port fees targeting Chinese-owned and Chinese-built vessels threaten to raise export costs and further reduce global competitiveness for American grain. Cuts to the USDA and Forest Service budgets are adding to concerns for rural communities already under financial strain.

Farm economists say the U.S. ag economy is in recession, as trade wars, high costs, and lost exports to China deepen uncertainty for farmers.

Livestock producers, especially beef operations, see record profits in 2025, while crop farmers struggle with low returns, trade disputes, and echoes of the 1980s farm debt crisis. Economists warn of long-term risks as tariffs and high input costs squeeze margins.

The USDA projects a $47B agricultural trade deficit for 2025, sparking concerns about long-term trends and data transparency. Meanwhile, the Great Western Ranch sold in New Mexico, highlighting surging land values, and Congress remains stalled on passing a new Farm Bill.

The 2018 Farm Bill remains stalled as extensions drag on, leaving U.S. farmers facing uncertainty. Tariffs, volatile corn and soybean prices, and rising input costs threaten profitability into 2026, while global trade shifts cut U.S. access to key markets.

As corn and soybean harvest begins, U.S. farmers face near break-even prices, weak exports, and tariff-driven trade challenges, with policy fixes still uncertain.

Record beef prices, John Deere layoffs, stalled soybean sales to China, farmworker crackdowns, and Temple Grandin’s new documentary highlight ag challenges.

USDA forecasts record corn yields, but tariffs and trade wars drive a $29B farm trade deficit, straining U.S. producers already facing low prices.

Over half of ag economists say U.S. row crops face recession, while Congress stalls on a new farm bill and USDA plans to close key research facilities.

USDA staff moves, trade uncertainty, and rising costs raise concern for U.S. farmers, while land values climb in every state. Here's the latest ag update.