Farmers' Economic Concerns Persist Despite Improved Crop Prices
A new report co-authored by the National Corn Growers Association and American Soybean Association documents ongoing economic pressures across farm country, despite recent price improvements in both commodity markets.
The report analyzes a survey conducted by Farm Journal of 1,200 corn and soybean farmers across the country. According to Krista Swanson, NCGA Chief Economist, 'It's an interesting time to receive this feedback from corn and soybean growers.' Corn prices have improved substantially in recent weeks, but farm profitability doesn't reset in one market move or one crop year.
Survey results show nearly two-thirds of growers are moderately or very concerned about the farm economy. 46% are more concerned about their farm financial situation than they were a year ago. Despite recent improvements to grain markets, survey showed farmer expectations for the 2026 crop leave little room to absorb additional cost increases.
High input costs remain a key concern among farmers. 'What stands out in these results is how little margin for error farmers have right now,' said Scott Gerlt, ASA Chief Economist. Even with some improvement in crop prices, the cost of putting a crop in the ground remains high. When nearly half of growers say they are more concerned about their financial situation than they were a year ago, it's a reminder that stronger markets alone haven't resolved the economic challenges on the farm.