Agricultural economists are predicting that the slide in the U.S. farm economy will stop in the new year. However, an AgWeb report said that doesn’t mean the ag economy will be whole again. The December 2025 Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor showed monthly sentiment is getting stronger, but there a re challenges remaining, especially in the row crop sector. AgWeb said there’s “cautious optimism,” but most economists don’t believe that 2026 will usher in a strong rebound without relief from the high costs of inputs or stronger commodity demand in other markets. Fifty-four percent of the economists surveyed by AgWeb said the economy is better than a month ago. Compared to last year, 42 percent say conditions are worse, and 33 percent say things are better. Looking ahead to the next year, 46 percent expect conditions won’t change, 38 percent expect things to improve, and 15 percent expect economic conditions to get worse. ...read more read less