A new report from the National Corn Growers Association and American Soybean Association documents continued economic pressure on farms despite recent improvements in corn and soybean prices.
The report analyzes results from a Farm Journal survey of 1,200 corn and soybean farmers across the country. Nearly two-thirds of growers said they are moderately or very concerned about the farm economy, while 46% said they are more concerned about their farm financial situation than they were a year ago.
“It’s an interesting time to receive this feedback from corn and soybean growers,” said Krista Swanson, NCGA chief economist. “Corn prices have improved substantially in recent weeks, which helps grower sentiment. But farm profitability doesn’t reset in one market move or one crop year. We saw a high level of concern in last year’s survey, and even with stronger prices today, this shows many growers are still managing financial pressure that has built over multiple crop cycles.”
Both measures improved from the comparable 2025 survey, but the results continue to indicate a high level of concern rather than a return to financial stability.
The survey found that expectations for the 2026 crop leave farmers with little room to absorb additional cost increases. Recent improvements in grain markets also are not benefiting all growers equally, or potentially at all.
Input costs remain a key concern among farmers, with fuel, energy, fertilizer and other production costs continuing to affect farm profitability. Higher commodity prices do not fully offset those expenses, particularly for farmers who have faced financial pressure across multiple crop cycles.
The survey results reflect the longer-term nature of farm economics. Business decisions made for a single growing season can affect finances for multiple years, from purchasing inputs through marketing harvested crops.
“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.”
The findings show that improved commodity prices have not eliminated the financial pressures facing corn and soybean farmers. For policymakers and the agricultural supply chain, the survey highlights the sensitivity of farm profitability to both commodity prices and production costs.
The full report can be read here.
Source: National Corn Growers Association, "Prices Up but Pressure Remains: Corn and Soybean Growers Still Navigating Tight Margins"
The report analyzes results from a Farm Journal survey of 1,200 corn and soybean farmers across the country. Nearly two-thirds of growers said they are moderately or very concerned about the farm economy, while 46% said they are more concerned about their farm financial situation than they were a year ago.
“It’s an interesting time to receive this feedback from corn and soybean growers,” said Krista Swanson, NCGA chief economist. “Corn prices have improved substantially in recent weeks, which helps grower sentiment. But farm profitability doesn’t reset in one market move or one crop year. We saw a high level of concern in last year’s survey, and even with stronger prices today, this shows many growers are still managing financial pressure that has built over multiple crop cycles.”
Both measures improved from the comparable 2025 survey, but the results continue to indicate a high level of concern rather than a return to financial stability.
The survey found that expectations for the 2026 crop leave farmers with little room to absorb additional cost increases. Recent improvements in grain markets also are not benefiting all growers equally, or potentially at all.
Input costs remain a key concern among farmers, with fuel, energy, fertilizer and other production costs continuing to affect farm profitability. Higher commodity prices do not fully offset those expenses, particularly for farmers who have faced financial pressure across multiple crop cycles.
The survey results reflect the longer-term nature of farm economics. Business decisions made for a single growing season can affect finances for multiple years, from purchasing inputs through marketing harvested crops.
“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.”
The findings show that improved commodity prices have not eliminated the financial pressures facing corn and soybean farmers. For policymakers and the agricultural supply chain, the survey highlights the sensitivity of farm profitability to both commodity prices and production costs.
The full report can be read here.
Source: National Corn Growers Association, "Prices Up but Pressure Remains: Corn and Soybean Growers Still Navigating Tight Margins"