Nebraska Farmers Face Record-Breaking Losses Amid Low Crop Prices

Farmers in Nebraska are bracing for significant financial losses due to low crop prices and high inflation. According to the American Farm Bureau Association, major row crop losses are projected to exceed $31 billion in 2026.

Abygail Petersen, an economist and policy analyst with the Nebraska Farm Bureau, said that input costs are extremely high for corn farmers. In fact, she noted that land and rental costs alone account for 21% of the total cost, while fertilizer accounts for a staggering 61% of operational costs.

The current season average price for corn is approximately $4.20 per bushel, resulting in a loss of $167 per acre. This translates to roughly $1.7 billion in losses for corn alone. Soybeans are also facing significant pressure, with losses exceeding $700 million and totaling around $138 per acre.

Petersen emphasized that government payments can help cushion the blow for farmers in the meantime. She also advocated for greater certainty around year-round E-15 fuel sales and trade policy to stabilize crop prices.