Majority of U.S. Corn Farmers Warn of Impending Economic Crisis

U.S. Corn Farmers Sound Alarm on Economic Crisis

A recently released survey by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) paints a troubling picture of the agricultural economy in the United States. During a roundtable discussion held in Washington on September 17, 2025, experts highlighted the grim realities faced by farmers today. An alarming percentage of corn growers—80% of those surveyed—believe that the farm economy is either already in a crisis or on the verge of one.

Survey Insights

Conducted by Farm Journal from late August to early September, the survey included responses from 1,034 farmers. Notably, nearly half, approximately 46%, indicated their concern over a potential farm crisis. Furthermore, a significant 65% reported that they are more worried about their financial situation compared to the previous year. This sentiment is echoed by NCGA President Kenneth Hartman Jr., who described the situation as a “four-alarm fire in the countryside.” He called for swift congressional action to lift barriers hindering market access for farmers.

Legislative Measures Urged

One primary piece of legislation that NCGA leaders are advocating for is the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025. This act aims to remove an outdated provision from the Clean Air Act that restricts the sale of fuel with 15% ethanol blends (E15) during summer months. Hartman emphasized that allowing year-round sales of E15 would provide crucial support to struggling farmers by increasing market opportunities for their corn crops.

Concerns for the Broader Economy

These survey findings are particularly concerning given their potential ripple effects on the broader economy. As farmers begin to make adjustments in response to grim financial forecasts, many indicated that they might delay equipment purchases, cut back on fertilizer usage, and seek additional off-farm income sources. Krista Swanson, the Chief Economist at NCGA, remarked that we could be witnessing a once-in-a-generation problem that threatens to affect every area of the economy, as farmers scale back spending.

Economic Pressures

Farmers are currently coping with unprecedented declines in net cash receipts over three years, largely due to falling crop prices and high input costs. Even as the Department of Agriculture projects record crop production, the anticipated demand fails to keep pace, which could exacerbate the already declining corn prices. Adding to the financial strain is the increased difficulty of obtaining affordable loans; high-interest rates are creating an environment where lenders have less flexibility to assist distressed farmers.

Expert Recommendations

In light of these challenges, economist Dr. John Newton of Terrain Ag voiced additional support for expanding markets for biofuels like E15. Empowering farmers to diversify their markets may help bolster their financial stability, he argued. According to a recent NCGA study, enabling year-round access to E15 could inject $25.8 billion into the U.S. GDP, create approximately 128,000 full-time jobs, and provide a market for excess corn crops.

Farmers Call for Action

This week, corn growers are making their way to Capitol Hill to advocate for legislative action on E15 amid escalating economic concerns. Founded in 1957, NCGA represents over 36,000 corn-grower members across 48 states and serves as a collective voice in protecting their interests. The farming community is seeking urgent attention and support as they navigate these challenging economic waters and advocate for measures to stabilize the agricultural economy.