By Audrey Jackson
Northern AG Network reported that, “several years of high inflation and low commodity prices, coupled with volatile production costs, are continuing to squeeze farmers financially. These forces are projected to hit farmers with $32 billion in losses for the major row crops in 2027 after a projected loss of $31 billion in 2026. Fruit, vegetable, nut and other specialty crop farmers faced billions of dollars in losses in 2025, with difficult market conditions continuing throughout 2026.”
“American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) analysis projects 2027 will mark a sixth year of negative returns over total costs for most major row crops,” Northern AG Network reported. “Specialty crop farmers are experiencing similar financial strain, facing expected below-breakeven prices and acreage reductions. At the same time, fertilizer and fuel prices remain volatile, with the Iran conflict adding additional pressure to those markets.”
Below-Breakeven Prices Projected for Major Crops
AGDaily reported that, “the updated analysis, published in the latest Farm Bureau Intel, found that most major crops are expected to remain below breakeven on a per-acre basis next year. The Farm Bureau Intel states, ‘Corn losses are projected to increase from $131 per acre in 2026 to $167 per acre in 2027. Soybean losses are projected to increase from $80 per acre to $138 per acre, wheat losses from $114 per acre to $145 per acre and cotton losses from $342 per acre to $406 per acre. Rice, sorghum, oats, barley and peanuts are also projected to remain below breakeven.’”
Source : illinois.edu