U.S. wheat farmers face financial challenges due to low prices and global supply surplus

From Yahoo Finance: 2025-06-19 08:05:00

Farmers in the U.S. wheat belt have abandoned plans to harvest due to five-year low prices. Some opt to bale wheat into hay, plow fields under, or feed it to animals. Crop insurance offers revenue, but many find it unsustainable. The decline in wheat production threatens the heritage of the Plains.

Drought, global supply surplus, and low prices drive U.S. wheat farmers to pivot to corn, soy, or livestock. Revenue has suffered despite efforts to improve yields. Farmers face financial challenges, with profitable levels out of reach. Heritage ties to wheat farming clash with modern profitability concerns.

Hard red winter wheat production steadily declines in the Plains. Farmers struggle to find profits with wheat, turning to more lucrative crops. Nebraska wheat acreage decreases, with farmers abandoning fields. Climate change impacts, irrigation, and crop diversification efforts fail to bring sustainable profits.

Kansas wheat acreage surpasses corn, but corn production value is double that of wheat. Global supply surplus keeps U.S. wheat prices low, discouraging farmers. Analysts warn of financial struggles and potential farm sales. Profitability remains a challenge for wheat growers, threatening the future of the crop.



Read more at Yahoo Finance: ‘Amber waves of grain’ recede in America’s heartland as wheat farmers struggle