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.

Since 1982, cropland, pastureland and rangeland have declined, while developed land has increased by nearly 48 million acres (66%), roughly the size of Nebraska.

Acres moving between cropland, pasture and the Conservation Reserve Program may remain connected to agriculture, while land converted to housing, industrial sites, roads or other built uses is far less likely to return to production.

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall today applauded the White House request to Congress for more than $11 billion in additional assistance for America's farmers and ranchers, as well as the administration's call for year-round access to E15 fuel.

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall commented on the Senate farm bill discussion draft released today by Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.), chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. 

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the Trump administration’s clarification of a key aspect of farm labor access for the dairy sector.

“Farmers thank the Trump administration for addressing the farm labor crisis by expanding H-2A access for certain dairy jobs. The reality is clear - fewer Americans choose to work on farms while the need for qualified workers increases, creating a difficult labor market for U.S. farm families.

The American Farm Bureau Federation, with support from Farm Credit, is seeking applicants for the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence. The award recognizes U.S. military veterans or service members for excellence in farming or agriculture and positively impacting local communities.

Farm country has endured three consecutive years of worsening economic conditions, spreading financial stress across much of rural America.
A prolonged cost-price squeeze has increased demand for credit, reduced equipment purchases and contributed to a slight uptick in farm bankruptcies.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on USDA’s announcement that the first case of New World screwworm (NWS) has been reported in the United States.

The American Farm Bureau Federation’s Women’s Leadership Committee, with support from JBS and CoBank, is unveiling the results of a new national study intended to guide programming dedicated to women in agriculture for the next five years.

After nearly 21 million birds were affected by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) between January and March 2026, detections have fallen, with less than 10,000 birds affected so far in May. The resulting increase in egg supply comes during a time of softened demand.