Unpredictable circumstances causing uncertainty for 2026

Kristen Sindelar
Dec 26, 2025
Dec 26, 2025

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Farmers, economists, politicians and everyone else involved in the agricultural supply chain are gazing into their crystal balls to foresee what the new year will bring. In this era of uncertainty, trying to predict the future is only conjuring more questions.

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2026 outlook 1.JPG — Jay Parsons explains data during his educational session about the current agricultural economy at the 2025 Nebraska Ag Expo Dec. 11.
Midwest Messenger photo by Kristen Sindelar

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2026 outlook 2.jpg — Net farm income for Nebraska in 2025 was projected to increase by 42% to $8.42 billion. For 2026, economists predict a modest decrease to $8.37 billion.
Image from Fall 2025 Farm Income Outlook, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Center for Agricultural Profitability

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Reporter Kristen Sindelar has loved agriculture her entire life, coming from a diversified farm with three generations working side-by-side in northeastern Nebraska. Reach her at Kristen.Sindelar@midwestmessenger.com.