American farmers are hurting — and worried about their futures

Key Points:

• Rick Telesz, a farmer in western Pennsylvania, faces rising costs for fertilizer and diesel fuel, which have increased by 15% and 80% respectively, due to geopolitical tensions and trade issues, making it difficult to turn a profit despite expecting a good soybean crop.
• The U.S.-China trade war has significantly reduced American farm exports to China, particularly for products like cotton, wheat, pork, and beef, with only partial recovery in soybean sales, further straining farmers' revenues.
• Although the USDA projects increased farm revenue in 2026 due to higher crop prices and sales, rising input costs mean most major row crop producers are expected to lose money for the fourth consecutive year.
• Since 2020, about 200,000 farms have shut down nationwide, with farm bankruptcies rising 19% over the past year; many farmers are reluctant to quit but face financial pressures and consider selling land as a last resort.
• Farmers continue to persevere, hoping for lower costs and higher crop prices, but the ongoing economic challenges make sustaining farm operations increasingly difficult.