We’ve complied a list of key issues farmers and ag industry officials are talking/asking about based on our recent conversations at meetings across the country. Pro Farmer will continue to follow these issues and provide valuable insights to help you make profitable decisions for your farm.

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10 Issues Farmers Are Concerned About:

Commodity outlook: Corn and soybean producers are consistently hearing bearish outlook presentations, which has them concerned. This could influence acreage decisions for 2024 and makes risk management imperative.
Big stockpiles of unsold grain: There are big piles of corn and other grains across areas of the Corn Belt. There will be plenty of sellers on any extended price rallies.
Concern about what happens to 2017 Trump tax cuts: Most of those expire at the end of 2025. Some say they would be impacted if the estate tax exemption were halved from the present level, among other impacts.
Growing concern about trade policy: There are concerns with what former President Donald Trump says he will do relative to across-the-board tariffs to all exporting nations if he returns to the White House. Farmers are displeased with the existing Biden administration trade policy as they say it does not do much to increase market access for ag products.
Another trade issue of concern is China: Farmers fear that whoever wins the White House, both parties will ramp up sanctions/tariffs on China, leading to a new trade war. They are extremely concerned about the future if China “deals” with Taiwan in some type of takeover.
SAF : Corn producers are focused on whether corn based ethanol will be an eligible feedstock for producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). A final decision on this by the Treasury Department is expected in March.
Interest rate outlook: Farmers want to know when rates are coming down and how aggressively, but are planning on lower borrowing costs for 2025 operations.
Farmers are pulling back machinery purchases: Farm iron purchases have slowed amid tighter financial conditions after having recently updated needs.
Farm bill timeline: There’s hope for a bill by year’s end, despite most thinking this will be kicked into 2025. The ongoing debate in Congress over federal spending levels is expected to extend the discussion on the new farm bill.
Electronic ID tags on livestock: If EIDs are mandated, key is the cost compared with those for current tags. There are also concerns about data privacy and control.

Honorable Mention:

Nov. 5 elections and if Trump wins the White House, who will be his VP?
Increased Regulations are a Growing Concern
Digital Dollar
Growing U.S. Debt
National Federal Milk Marketing Order