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Keeping an eye on ag issues in 2020

An ag economist says farmers will need to keep an eye on key ag issues in the coming year to make management decisions.

David Widmar with Ag Economic Insights tells Brownfield farm income and finances are at the top of the list.

“From the trade war to MFP and commodity markets, farm income is going to have several moving pieces in 2020. Even though farm income has trended higher, we still see a trend towards more debt and lower working capital on US farms.”

He says there is a lot of “drama” in D.C. that could impact ag policy as well.

“From USMCA, to impeachment, tensions in the middle east, EPA and RFS, oh and there is an election this year, so there is going to be a lot for lawmakers to get distracted by.”

He says other issues spilling over from 2019 include the export opportunities and risks associated with the impacts of African Swine Fever and how weather this year will steer the outcome of the growing season.