ag economy | Red River Farm Network

A Crisis of Confidence

Published February 13, 2026

Farm Journal's first Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor of 2026 shows the U.S. agricultural economy started the year in a crop-sector recession. Row-crop producers are facing significant financial stress, while the livestock sector, especially beef cattle, remains comparatively strong. The survey…

Resilience in the Potato Industry

Published January 12, 2026

AMVAC sees both challenges and long-term strength in the potato industry as growers navigate a difficult economic environment. “When you take a step back and look at the agricultural market in general, it’s really been a recession,” said AMVAC's Michah…

Large Crops and Slow Demand Shape 2025

Published December 26, 2025

The lack of a major global weather or production problem has prolonged a lower-price environment for grains and oilseeds, defining much of 2025. “The continued production cycle globally has lacked a threat to new crop production throughout the last two…

Farmer Sentiment Climbs Despite Trade Uncertainty

Published May 7, 2025

In the latest Ag Economy Barometer from Purdue University and the CME Group, farmer sentiment rose by eight points over last month, showing a continued positive outlook on the U.S. ag economy. "It was a little bit surprising that we…

77% of Farm Household Income Comes from Off the Farm

Published April 25, 2025

An American Farm Bureau Federation Market Intel report found most of the U.S. farm household income is from off-farm sources. "Seventy-seven percent of income that farm households receive comes from those off-farm sources, meaning only 23 percent comes from farm-related…

Consumer Slowdown Signals Trouble for Ag Economy

Published April 14, 2025

Uncertainty in global trade and falling consumer confidence are warning signs for U.S. agriculture, says Rob Fox, Director of CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange. Declining sentiment is closely linked to reduced consumer spending, a major driver of the overall economy. “When you…

ND Agriculture Fuels Economy with $41 Billion Impact

Published February 14, 2025

At a joint North Dakota House and Senate Agriculture Committee hearing, NDSU Vice President of Agriculture Greg Lardy presented the results of a study conducted on the economic contributions of agriculture to the state economy. "North Dakota agriculture contributes over…

Farmer Optimism Continues to Rise

Published February 7, 2025

The Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer showed farmer sentiment edged higher in January. "Farmers have retained most of the optimism that was generally associated with the fall 2024 election," said Purdue University Extension Economist Jim Mintert. "In September the…

Rural Mainstreet Index Dips Below Growth Neutral

Published December 31, 2024

The Rural Mainstreet Index, a key measure of economic health in rural areas across ten states reliant on agriculture and energy, fell sharply in December. The index dropped below its growth-neutral mark for the 11th time this year. Creighton University…

Pinched by a High-Interest Environment

Published December 5, 2024

A surplus grain supply is delivering another problem for farmers. "Things like interest rates and inflation just make all of that even more difficult," said John Griffith, executive vice president, CHS. "When you're in a market of oversupply, grain needs…

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Articles tagged under: ag economy

A Crisis of Confidence

Resilience in the Potato Industry

Large Crops and Slow Demand Shape 2025

Farmer Sentiment Climbs Despite Trade Uncertainty

77% of Farm Household Income Comes from Off the Farm

Consumer Slowdown Signals Trouble for Ag Economy

ND Agriculture Fuels Economy with $41 Billion Impact

Farmer Optimism Continues to Rise

Rural Mainstreet Index Dips Below Growth Neutral

Pinched by a High-Interest Environment

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