The Year Ahead: Forces That Will Shape the U.S. Rural Economy in 2023

By Brian Cavey , Brian Earnest , Tanner Ehmke , Rob Fox , Thomas Halverson , Jeff Johnston , Dan Kowalski , Christina Pope and Teri Viswanath

December 13, 2022

The Russia-Ukraine war, surging inflation, and an energy crisis joined the COVID-19 pandemic this year as major events defining the operating environment for U.S. companies. We can expect to feel the aftershocks in 2023. After posting record high net farm income in 2021 and 2022, margin pressure is coming to agriculture in the coming year. Steeply higher interest rates, escalating production costs, an elevated dollar, and weakening demand have become formidable foes. In addition, a divided government reflecting unique midterm election results will muddy the path of the next farm bill.

Featuring

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U.S. Agricultural Economy

Farm Margins Under Pressure in 2023

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Grain, Farm Supply, Biofuels

Outlook for Biofuels is Solid, Less So for Grain and Farm Supply

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Animal Protein

Meat and Poultry Production to Slow Despite 2022’s Robust Profits

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Dairy

Milk Supplies to Gradually Grow as Demand Base Shifts

And also

  • The U.S. Economy: Some Pain is Necessary
  • U.S. Government: Unique Midterm Results Muddy Farm Bill’s Path
  • Specialty Crops: Drought, Labor Shortages, and Strong U.S. Dollar to Keep Squeezing Specialty Crops
  • Rural Electricity: Time to Look Beyond Yesterday’s Energy Crisis Playbook
  • Rural Communications: Multiple Crosscurrents Set the Stage for the Rural Communications Market

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this report is not intended to be investment, tax, or legal advice and should not be relied upon by recipients for such purposes. The information contained in this report has been compiled from what CoBank regards as reliable sources. However, CoBank does not make any representation or warranty regarding the content, and disclaims any responsibility for the information, materials, third-party opinions, and data included in this report. In no event will CoBank be liable for any decision made or actions taken by any person or persons relying on the information contained in this report.

 
 
 
 

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