The president of the Illinois Farm Bureau says agriculture needs a win.
“We need some pelts on the wall.”
Brian Duncan, who farms in Ogle County, tells Brownfield the economic outlook for farmers isn’t promising.
“Certainly, some of the livestock sectors are holding their own, but certainly for row crop producers, it appears to be another year of wait and see.” He says, “Upside down this year for farm economics, upside down next year.”
He says increased commodity demand would help in the long term, but farmer morale could use a short-term victory.
“Whether it’s an immediate trade deal, an immediate sale, year-round E15, economic assistance moving forward,” he says, “Farm Bureau is open to the discussion of any and all of those to bridge to what we hope is a robust demand future.”
Duncan says Farm Bureau and other ag groups are taking that message to Congress as it resumes session this week, and the farm bill extension deadline looms at the end of the month.
Brownfield spoke with Duncan at the 2025 Farm Progress Show.
