U.S. Farm 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.

Farmers face projected crop losses, higher diesel costs and persistent drought, while states debate foreign ownership of agricultural land and Colorado officials address produce safety.

Drought grips the Four Corners as reservoir levels fall, farmland values rise and rural communities confront new demands on limited water supplies.

This week’s Farm News & Views Report covers farm profitability concerns, USDA staffing cuts, Colorado wheat losses, farm aid, E15 and regenerative agriculture.

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.

Rising fertilizer costs, global supply concerns and a new farmer survey are raising questions about the outlook for agriculture and rural communities this year.

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.

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.