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FARM FUTURES MAGAZINE SURVEY REPORTS 2025 FARMERS' OUTLOOK
Source: Farm Progress news release

ST. CHARLES, ILL. -- A recent Farm Futures survey unveiled a mix of optimism and caution among U.S. farmers regarding their financial prospects for the coming year. According to the December poll, which included a focus on economic outlook, a significant majority of respondents--two-thirds--anticipate turning a profit in 2025. However, this positive outlook is tempered by the expectation that earnings will likely fall short of 2024 levels for most farmers.

"To me, the survey results show that farmers are settling into the reality of the current market downturn," said Ben Potter, senior editor at Farm Futures. "For example, 74% of respondents indicated that they expect lower profits in 2025 compared to 2024. Still, there are some hints of optimism, with a majority of respondents (73%) expecting to see lower interest rates this year, and few (28%) anticipating higher land rents."

The reasons for reduced profit this year: lower commodity prices and higher costs for inputs, land leases and interest. Underlying those reasons: a new presidential administration.

Though 75% of respondents reported voting for Donald Trump for president, only 21% of all respondents believe farmers will benefit from tariffs proposed by the incoming administration. Write-ins regarding the primary reason for lower profits included "Trump", "Trump's trade tariffs" and "TRUMP".

Of those who expect to see a benefit from increased and expanded tariffs, 79 took the time to write in why. Another 170 farmers wrote in why they expect a renewed tariff war will hurt their businesses. Both groups largely looked at the long-term impact.

On the benefit side of the discussion, comments included:

"Long term trade resolutions will benefit U.S. farmers eventually if trade agreements are truly free trade/free market agreements."

"I believe the tariffs will lead to input cost being lower. I think to start with it may not look like it's benefiting, and inputs might increase, but in the long-term, farmers will see substantial benefits and be more profitable. People expect positive results with a right-now attitude and are not looking at the positive results the long-term impact will provide."

And repeatedly: "Level the playing field."

On the detriment side of the conversation, comments included:

"Ag is first in and last out of a trade war."

"Countries will retaliate by sourcing grain from other countries and may permanently damage our relations for export."

And repeatedly: "Higher imports," "Lost exports" and "Lower prices."

With a focus on grain production, Farm Futures serves large-scale farm operators across the country with business-oriented content. One of the services that Farm Futures provides to its market-oriented farmer audience is regular surveys to help them adjust production direction to maximize profit. Included in those surveys are topical management and economic questions.

"Our most recent survey clearly shows that farmers are concerned about the current economic headwinds," said Farm Futures Executive Editor Pam Caraway. "That said, farmers play a generational game, and it's heartening to see they are optimistic about the long term. The question continues to be whether some farms will not be economically able to weather this period. At Farm Progress, we are committed to providing our audience with tools they can use to prosper: economic data, tips from other farmers and, particularly, market outlooks and a heads up on pricing opportunities."


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