With grain markets showing some strength in 2026, economists say farmers are at a critical point. Agricultural Economics Insights co-founder Brent Gloy says current price levels are leaving many operations right on the edge of profitability. “We’re at an interesting place right now because if you take the crop insurance guarantee price and increase it by 40 or 50 cents, most people start to feel fairly optimistic. If you drop it 40 or 50 cents, it gets pretty tight. We’re on that knife’s edge of profitability right now, and it’s going to be important to have a good marketing plan in times like these.” Gloy says recent rallies in corn and soybeans are encouraging, supported by solid demand fundamentals.
