New analysis from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) shows that significant farm losses are persisting even after federal assistance, underscoring the urgent need for additional support to stabilize the nation’s agricultural economy.
According to the recent AFBF Market Intel report, elevated production costs and weak commodity prices are leaving many farmers operating below breakeven. That trend threatens farm viability and food system resilience.
Per-acre production costs for all nine principal row crops—corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, rice, barley, oats, peanuts and sorghum—are projected to rise again in 2026, continuing a troubling trend that began after 2021. When combined with continued market pressures, this means many farmers may operate at a loss for another year.
Federal assistance such as the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) and Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) has offset some losses, but not enough to close the gap between costs and returns.
“We are grateful for the aid Congress has delivered to farmers this year and do not take that for granted. But we are in an economic crisis, the likes of which we haven’t seen in decades,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said. “New Farm Bureau analysis reveals farmers are likely to face another very difficult year if markets do not improve. The sad reality is the climbing rate of farm bankruptcies and further consolidation of farms is only going to accelerate if Congress fails to act.”
As farmers enter the 2026/27 marketing year, accumulated losses—estimated to exceed $50 billion across the sector over the past three crop years—continue to weigh on farm finances.
These estimates reflect national average conditions and are calculated ahead of the growing season, before producers make final planting, input and marketing decisions. In practice, farmers respond to market signals by adjusting crop mix, input use and risk management strategies as conditions evolve. While outcomes vary widely by region and operation, persistently elevated breakeven prices underscore the importance of market-driven solutions that strengthen domestic demand—such as year-round access to E15—to help support commodity prices and improve farm margins
“Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle have assured us in recent weeks that they recognize more aid is needed to keep our food supply strong, which requires a strong agricultural sector,” Duvall said. “Many have also voiced strong support for approving year-round E15 fuel, which would be a win-win for consumers and farmers by reducing the price of fuel at the pump while increasing demand for both corn and sorghum.”
Neither were included in the bill proposed by the U.S. House.
“The target for months has been to include both priorities in the government funding package. So, it was a shock to see bill text proposed by the House that includes neither,” Duvall said.
But the national organization noted there is still time to act.
“Congress must act. Failing to do so would not only fail farmers, who don’t control the prices they’re paid or the skyrocketing cost of supplies, it would fail every family in America who relies on farmers to provide safe and healthy food to stock their pantries,” Duvall said.
Texas Farm Bureau encourages farmers and ranchers to contact their Congressional representative and senators and ask them to deliver economic assistance to help farmers and ranchers weather this economic crisis.
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