USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) released its annual Farm Sector Income Forecast Report for 2023 which shows lower net farm income this year. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says while net farm income will drop below the record high in 2022, it’s one of the best years on record for the overall farm sector at $151.1 billion.
“In fact, net cash farm income for 2023 is 15 percent above average for the last two decades, and farm income over the 2021-2023 period represents the highest level of farm income in the last 50 years,” he says. “U.S. ag exports have also seen the three highest years on record in 2021-2023, and 2024 is projected to be the fourth-highest year on record despite potential declines.”
A bright spot for farmers is that some production costs, including feed, fertilizer, and pesticides, have declined. Data also shows that off-farm income is needed to make ends meet.
(From the National Association of Farm Broadcasters)