New national report highlights rising costs regulatory risks and farm stress
A new national report from Modern Ag Alliance offers a clear picture of the serious challenges facing U.S. farmers today. The inaugural State of the American Farmer report highlights growing economic pressure, regulatory uncertainty, and operational stress across the farm sector.
According to the report, farmers are struggling with rising input costs, including fertilizer, fuel, and crop protection products. At the same time, commodity prices for major crops have dropped sharply, with some prices falling by as much as 58 percent since 2022. This combination has reduced farm income and tightened profit margins across the country.
Financial stress is increasing on farms of all sizes. Farmer bankruptcies are estimated to be up about 60 percent compared to last year. Many producers say the current situation is making it harder to plan or invest in their operations.
Concerns about the long-term future of farming are also growing. About 60 percent of farmers believe that without changes to current policies, farming could “cease to exist as we know it.” Only around half say they would recommend farming as a career to their children, showing declining confidence in the industry’s future.
Regulatory uncertainty is added to these pressures. Many farmers say they are unsure how new rules may affect their operations. Eight out of ten farmers believe they should be consulted before new agricultural regulations are introduced, especially when those rules affect day-to-day farm practices.
“Farmers are being squeezed from every direction,” said Elizabeth Burns-Thompson, Executive Director of the Modern Ag Alliance. “This data shows that economic pressure and regulatory uncertainty are colliding on the farm. Policymakers need to understand what this means in real terms—for farmers' ability to stay in business and for the affordability of America's food, fuel, and fiber."
Access to modern crop protection tools is another major concern. More than half of farmers expect higher production costs if access to these tools is limited, while nearly four in ten expect lower yields. Many also believe that new restrictions would eventually increase food prices for American families.
Together, these challenges highlight the need for clear, science-based agricultural policies and timely congressional action on a new Farm Bill to support farmers, stabilize food production, and protect affordability.
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