General Reports

The Quarterly: Rising energy costs are squeezing the rural economy

April 2026

Rural Americans are absorbing some of the most acute fuel cost impacts from the conflict in the Middle East. They drive longer distances, lack public transit and rely on diesel-heavy industries like farming and freight, which quickly affect household budgets and business expenses.

Washington sits in stalemate while farm policy sees promise

April 2026

Congress is in recess until April 13, leaving many Americans confused and irritated that we remain in a partial government shutdown.

The Year Ahead: Forces that will shape the U.S. rural economy in 2026

December 2025

Mexico Poised to Claim Top Export Spot for U.S. Ag Products

May 2025

In just the past four years, U.S. food and agricultural export sales to Mexico have surged 65%.

The Year Ahead: Forces That Will Shape the U.S. Rural Economy in 2025

December 2024

Addressing Unsustainable Public Debt Levels – Before It’s Too Late

July 2024

While the problem of public debt is certainly not new, it has taken on heightened urgency over the last two years as the Federal Reserve has raised interest rates, making federal borrowing much more expensive than it was previously.

The Year Ahead: Forces That Will Shape the U.S. Rural Economy in 2024

December 2023

Despite multiple systemic shocks in recent years – COVID-19, trade conflict with China, the Russia-Ukraine war, surging inflation and interest rates – our economy has performed strongly.

Opportunity for Rural America

June 2023

CoBank explores an opportunity for rural communities to attract new residents and achieve new growth.

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

December 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. 

Demography and Destiny: Population Trends in Rural America

October 2022

A CoBank special report on the changing population trends in rural America.

The Importance of Off-Farm Income to the Agricultural Economy

September 2022

CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange division recently partnered with the University of Missouri to study the economic fabric that supports rural and agricultural communities. 

Food Manufacturers’ Surprise Profitability Set to Continue, High Prices Will Test Consumers

February 2022

For the first time in perhaps decades, food inflation is garnering headlines and sending government policymakers scrambling for quick solutions.

The Year Ahead: Forces That Will Shape the U.S. Rural Economy in 2022

December 2021

As we enter the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the virus is still in control of the economy.

Dollar Divergence: US Dollar Index Does Not Reflect True Dollar Impact on US Ag Exports

February 2021

The U.S. Dollar Index saw rapid deflation in 2020 and has coincided with a rally in commodity prices.