U.S. Farmers Struggle with Rising Costs and Global Competition

Survey at Mid-South Farm & Gin Show highlights concerns over declining competitiveness, profit margins, and rural community impacts

Mar. 27, 2026 at 5:02pm

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A recent survey of attendees at the Mid-South Farm & Gin Show in Memphis, Tennessee revealed deep concerns among U.S. farmers about rising production costs, declining global competitiveness, market consolidation, and the overall economic viability of farming. The survey found more than 80% of respondents identified commodity prices as a top concern, while 60% flagged input costs creating an unprecedented margin squeeze, with some farmers predicting they may have to auction off everything and file for bankruptcy.

Why it matters

The findings from the survey highlight the growing crisis facing American agriculture, as farmers grapple with a 'cost-price squeeze' that is threatening the long-term sustainability of many farming operations. With U.S. agriculture losing global competitiveness to countries like Brazil, the economic hits are also taking a toll on rural communities, with a quarter of respondents identifying land going out of production as a top concern.

The details

The survey, conducted by the Southern Cotton Ginners Association, was part of efforts to gauge the pulse of producers at a critical time. Respondents pointed to Brazil's competitive advantages like double-cropping capability, lower input costs, fewer regulations, and aggressive expansion as major factors eroding U.S. competitiveness. One landowner who visited Brazil reported being amazed at the scale and advancements there. The survey also found major concerns around market consolidation and corporate power, with one respondent calling for investigations into 'big fertilizer companies' for potential market manipulation.

  • The Mid-South Farm & Gin Show took place in March 2026.

The players

Southern Cotton Ginners Association

An organization representing cotton ginners in the southern United States.

Tim Price

Executive Vice President of the Southern Cotton Ginners Association and manager of the Mid-South Farm & Gin Show.

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What they’re saying

“Farmers are usually optimistic in the spring with planting, but we're seeing cautious pessimism about the future.”

— Tim Price, Executive Vice President, Southern Cotton Ginners Association

“Many farmers are not going to get operating loans this year.”

— Unnamed ag banker

“Just spent two weeks in Brazil during their soybean harvest and cotton and corn planting season. Amazing what they are doing. And really scary when you look at their scale and advancements.”

— Unnamed landowner

“Don't foresee us farming in 10 years, no money to be made. Will probably auction off everything and file bankruptcy.”

— Unnamed respondent

“Big fertilizer companies need to be investigated heavily for market manipulation.”

— Unnamed respondent

What’s next

The Trump administration is considering additional financial aid and other remedies to address the challenges facing U.S. agriculture, including the Buying America Cotton Act (BACA) which would establish a tax credit to incentivize the consumption of products made with American-grown cotton.

The takeaway

The findings from the survey at the Mid-South Farm & Gin Show paint a bleak picture for the future of American agriculture, as farmers grapple with rising costs, declining global competitiveness, market consolidation, and the erosion of rural communities. Addressing these systemic challenges will require a multi-pronged approach, including policy reforms, financial support, and efforts to boost the competitiveness of U.S. farmers in the global marketplace.