Farmers should brace for continued uncertainty and inflation in the agricultural economy through 2026 as mounting economic pressures — from tariffs and policy shifts to elevated interest rates — cast a shadow over the sector.

While the ag manufacturing industry remains strong for now, factors such as geopolitical instability, declining commodity prices and recession concerns are beginning to weigh on the broader outlook, said Kanlaya Barr, director of corporate economics at John Deere. Barr shared her insights during the Midwest Commodity Conference July 20–22 at the Iowa Farm Bureau headquarters in Des Moines, which was attended by several state Farm Bureaus.

Tariffs, inflation...