WASHINGTON D.C. — An overwhelming majority of corn growers from across the United States say that the nation’s farm economy is possibly already in a crisis or on the brink of one, according to a new survey released today by the National Corn Growers Association.
The findings were released during an NCGA-sponsored economic roundtable in Washington where experts stressed the seriousness of the economic problems facing farmers.
During the discussion, NCGA leaders said Congress could alleviate some of the pain by passing the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025, which would remove an outdated provision in the Clean Air Act that restricts the summertime sales of fuel with 15% ethanol blends, often referred to as E15.
“Farmers are in a lot of economic pain right now” said Illinois farmer and NCGA President Kenneth Hartman Jr. “It’s a four-alarm fire in the countryside, and we need members of Congress to act fast to remove barriers to markets. Passing legislation for the year-round, nationwide sale of higher blends of ethanol would be an important first step in addressing this problem.”
“These findings point to a once-in a generation problem for the agricultural economy,” said NCGA Chief Economist Krista Swanson. “The survey findings suggest that this crisis could have a long reach, affecting every area of the economy, as farmers are less likely to make purchases and will certainly make budget cuts that could affect their local communities.”
Read more from NCGA here: https://ncga.com/stay-informed/media/in-the-news/article/2025/09/farmers-report-grim-economic-outlook
