Economists say many farmers are entering the 2026 growing season under financial pressure. High interest rates, rising input costs, and lower market prices have increased debt levels across farm operations. Survey results show that more than half of farmers plan to use government assistance to reduce debt.
Experts caution that while the payments offer timely relief, they may not fully reflect the financial conditions of individual farms. Differences in yields and regional production challenges mean some farmers may still experience losses even after receiving assistance.
Production costs have risen sharply over the past decade, while crop prices have not increased at the same pace. Oversupply, strong recent harvests, and weaker global demand have further pressured prices. Trade disruptions have also reduced export opportunities for several commodities.
“Corn growers have been sounding the alarm about the fact that farmers have been faced with multiple consecutive years of low corn prices and high input costs,” said President Jed Bower. “We urgently need the administration and Congress to develop markets in the United States and abroad that will provide growers with more long-term economic certainty.”
Farm groups welcomed the assistance but emphasized the need for stronger long-term solutions. Many continue to call for expanded domestic and international markets to improve farm income stability. Analysts note that without stronger demand or lower costs, additional support may be needed in the future.
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