The biggest Ag economy takeaways from the REALTORS Land Institute – 2026 National Land Conference centered around farmland values, lending conditions, and farm income pressure. During the session, speakers broke down how global markets, rising costs, and shifting credit conditions are influencing today’s land market.
For landowners, investors, and operators, these Ag economy takeaways highlight where agriculture is today—and where it may be heading next.
Key Themes From the Ag Economy Session at the 2026 National Land Conference
The ag economy session at the 2026 National Land Conference highlighted several major factors shaping today’s land market:
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Continued pressure in the row crop sector
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Strength in livestock and protein markets
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Increased reliance on government support payments
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Rising input costs and supply chain uncertainty
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Trade risks and global competition
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Tightening credit conditions
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Stabilizing farmland values with regional differences
These themes are directly influencing farm profitability, buyer demand, and land sales activity.
Row Crops Remain Under Pressure
A key takeaway from the ag economy session at the 2026 National Land Conference was the continued pressure facing crop agriculture. Corn, soybeans, and wheat were discussed in the context of global oversupply, limited price recovery, and strong competition from South America.
The outlook suggests that margins for grain producers may remain tight into 2026, especially in crop-heavy regions. While agriculture is cyclical, current conditions continue to challenge profitability.
Livestock Continues to Be a Bright Spot
The ag economy session at the 2026 National Land Conference made it clear that livestock is currently one of the strongest segments in agriculture.
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Cattle markets remain strong due to tight supply
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Demand for protein continues to rise
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Poultry markets are performing well
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Dairy remains stable, supported by strong calf values
Livestock is helping offset weakness in the crop sector and providing stability across the agricultural economy.
Government Payments Are Supporting Farm Income
Another important discussion from the ag economy session at the 2026 National Land Conference was the role of government payments.
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Payments are near historically high levels
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Critical for maintaining working capital
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Increasingly included in lender underwriting
However:
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Without payments, farm income aligns closer to long-term averages
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Payments may be contributing to higher input costs
Government support is stabilizing farm income, but it is not eliminating underlying financial pressure.
Rising Costs Continue to Pressure Margins
The ag economy session at the 2026 National Land Conference also emphasized ongoing cost pressure across agriculture.
Farmers continue to face rising expenses for:
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Labor
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Equipment and repairs
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Seed technology
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Fertilizer
Fertilizer and energy markets were identified as major risk areas due to global supply dependencies. Even when commodity prices improve, cost increases continue to tighten margins.
Trade and Global Competition Still Matter
Trade remains a critical factor discussed during the ag economy session at the 2026 National Land Conference.
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About 30% of farm income is tied to exports
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Retaliation from countries like China and Mexico remains a concern
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Brazil continues to grow as a major competitor
Despite these challenges, the United States maintains a competitive advantage through strong infrastructure and logistics systems.
Credit Conditions Are Tightening, but Lending Remains Active
The ag economy session at the 2026 National Land Conference provided insight into current lending trends.
Lending is still active across:
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Farm Credit System
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Commercial banks
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Insurance-backed lenders
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Government programs
However:
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Underwriting standards are tightening
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Lenders are focusing more on collateral and risk
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Borrower profitability is under greater scrutiny
Delinquencies and bankruptcies are rising from historically low levels, but financial stress remains localized rather than widespread.
Farmland Values Are Stabilizing
A major takeaway from the ag economy session at the 2026 National Land Conference was that farmland values are stabilizing.
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Nationally, values are trading sideways
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Strong demand remains in certain regions
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Other areas are seeing more supply and softer pricing
The session also highlighted additional demand drivers such as development, renewable energy, data centers, and recreational use, which are influencing land values beyond agriculture.
What This Means for Landowners, Buyers, and Investors
For Sellers
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Farmland values remain stable
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Timing and marketing matter more than ever
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Local demand varies significantly
For Buyers
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More opportunities may emerge as supply increases
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Financing is available but requires stronger positioning
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Long-term land ownership remains attractive
For Landowners
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Cost management is critical
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Diversifying income streams can help
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Strategic planning is key in today’s market
Why Land Still Matters
A key message reinforced during the 2026 National Land Conference is that land remains a finite resource.
You can build more homes, but you cannot create more land.
This fundamental principle continues to support long-term farmland value and investment demand.
Conclusion
These ag economy takeaways from the 2026 National Land Conference highlight a market that is steady but evolving. While crop margins remain tight and costs are rising, livestock strength and continued land demand are helping support the market.
Understanding these Ag economy takeaways can help landowners, buyers, and investors make more informed decisions moving forward.
