Following a challenging year marked by tightening profit margins, rising production costs, and heightened global uncertainty, Iowa farmers are preparing for another difficult growing season. To help producers navigate volatile markets and develop effective risk-management strategies, the Iowa Farm Bureau is hosting an Ag Market Outlook Meeting on Wednesday, February 25th, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds Cambridge Building.
The meeting is designed to provide farmers with practical, data-driven insights into the economic pressures shaping the 2026 growing season. Experts in agricultural finance, grain and livestock markets, farm transition planning, and crop insurance will deliver updates, answer questions, and discuss strategies to help producers protect their profitability in an uncertain economic environment.
The Fairfield meeting will feature several specialists offering focused outlooks and practical guidance on key topics affecting agricultural producers:
- Agricultural Finance Outlook: Understanding financial pressures and capital management strategies
- Livestock Market Outlook: Analysis of cattle, hog, and other livestock market trends
- Grain Outlook and Marketing: Commodity price projections and marketing strategies for corn, soybeans, and other crops
- Farm Transition Planning: Guidance on succession planning and transitioning farm operations
- Crop Insurance: Coverage options and risk management through crop insurance programs
- Livestock Risk Protection: Insurance strategies for livestock operations
The event is free to Iowa Farm Bureau members, and dinner will be provided. Non-members wishing to attend can contact their local county Farm Bureau office to join the organization before the meeting.
Registration for the meeting is available online at https://www.iowafarmbureau.com/News/Ag-Market-Outlook-Meeting-Series.
For questions or registration assistance, attendees may contact Ashley Lennon at alennon@ifbf.org.
The meeting provides an important opportunity for area farmers to gain expert perspectives on market conditions and risk management strategies as they plan for the upcoming growing season amid ongoing economic challenges in agriculture.
Photography and information courtesy of Iowa Farm Bureau’s Hailey Shultz.
