Farmers Must Navigate Elevated Costs in 2027

A production business management expert is warning farmers to focus on preserving liquidity and managing working capital as they head into 2027.

Barry Ward with Ohio State University Extension says that while stronger corn and soybean prices have improved the profit picture for 2026, elevated cost structures will continue to pose challenges for farmers in the coming year.

Fertilizer, fuel prices, machinery and equipment, cash rents are all at elevated levels, making it difficult for producers to find profitability, Ward notes. To manage these costs, he recommends precision soil sampling to identify areas where nutrients can be reduced or eliminated, saving money on inputs.