Farm Sector Income & Finances - Farm Sector Income Forecast

Sep 09, 2026

Net farm income, a broad measure of profits, is forecast to decline in 2026. Forecast at $158.4 billion for the calendar year, net farm income would be $4.3 billion (2.6 percent) lower than in 2025 (not adjusted for inflation). Net cash farm income is forecast at $176.4 billion for 2026, a slight increase of $0.7 billion (0.4 percent) relative to 2025 (not adjusted for inflation).

In inflation-adjusted 2026 dollars, net farm income is forecast to decline by $9.1 billion (5.5 percent) from 2025 to 2026, and net cash farm income is forecast to decrease by $4.6 billion (2.5 percent) compared with the previous year. If realized, both measures in 2026 would remain above their 2006–25 averages (in inflation-adjusted dollars).

See all forecast and estimate data on farm income and wealth statistics or see a summary of the forecasts in the table U.S. farm sector financial indicators, 2019–2026F.

Summary Findings

Overall, farm cash receipts are forecast to decrease by $1.7 billion (0.3 percent) from 2025 to $540.3 billion in 2026 in nominal dollars. Total crop receipts are forecast to increase by $14.6 billion (6.1 percent) from 2025 levels to $253.0 billion in 2026 following higher receipts for corn, soybeans, cotton, and vegetables/melons. Total animal/animal product receipts are projected to decrease by $16.4 billion (5.4 percent) to $287.3 billion in 2026 following lower receipts for chicken eggs.
Direct Government farm payments are forecast at $47.4 billion for 2026, a $19.5-billion increase from 2025. The forecast increase is largely because of expected increases in commodity payments that are a function of prices/revenues, as well as higher supplemental and ad hoc disaster assistance to farmers and ranchers. Direct Government farm payments include Federal farm program payments paid to farmers and ranchers but exclude U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans and insurance indemnity payments made by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC).
Total production expenses, including those associated with operator dwellings, are forecast to rise by $21.2 billion (4.5 percent) from 2025 to $492.8 billion in 2026. Higher spending on livestock/poultry purchases, fertilizer/lime/soil conditioners, and fuel/oils are expected to account for most of the projected increase.

Source : usda.gov

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