An Updated Farm Bill Is Needed For The Struggling Ag Economy

Newly released farm income data confirms the economic crisis in rural America, and the strain farmers are feeling day in and day out.

“As a farmer, I don’t need a spreadsheet to tell me times are tough, but the numbers back up what farmers are living every day," said American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall. "USDA has now lowered its 2025 farm income outlook by 25 billion dollars. This economic downturn is deeper and has lasted longer than many anticipated. This year, farm income is projected to be 48 billion dollars below the highs we saw in 2022.”

Duvall added low commodity prices and high costs are leaving many farm families with little room to breathe.

“Rising debt and uncertainty make it harder to plan, invest, and weather challenges," Duvall said. "This is why Congress needs to act with a new, modernized Farm Bill and immediate support that reflects today’s farm economy.”

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com