The latest forecast from the U.S. Department of Agriculture says net farm income will reach $179.8 billion in 2025, up 40% from last year.
On the surface, that sounds like a big rebound. In reality, most of that increase comes from federal disaster payments, not from stronger crop or livestock markets.
USDA says producers will see $40.5 billion in direct government payments this year, more than three times higher than in 2024. Most of that total comes from the Biden-era American Relief Act of 2025, which set aside funds for supplemental and ad hoc disaster assistance.…
