Missouri Farmers Face Crisis as Costs Rise and Profits Fall

By Blake Jackson

Elizabeth Burns-Thompson, Executive Director of the Modern Ag Alliance, says conversations with farmers across the country reveal a troubling reality many are struggling to stay afloat.

Declining commodity prices, rising input costs, and ongoing uncertainty are placing intense pressure on family farms and threatening their long-term survival

To better understand these challenges, the organization commissioned the 2026 State of the American Farmer report. The findings confirm what many producers are already experiencing firsthand.

Farm bankruptcies rose by 60% over the past year, driven in part by higher labor and production expenses coupled with lower market returns. Looking ahead, 60% of farmers are unsure whether agriculture will remain a viable livelihood.

In states like Missouri, these statistics reflect real people and communities deeply rooted in farming. Additional concerns stem from legal challenges and inconsistent labeling regulations that may limit access to essential crop protection products.

According to the report, 60% of farmers believe unclear labeling requirements are negatively affecting their operations.

Producers have also been dealing with environmental pressures, including soil loss from severe weather. Many have adopted conservation methods such as no-till farming to protect soil health, practices that often rely on tools like glyphosate. Limited access to these products could reduce efficiency and increase uncertainty for growers.

The effects extend beyond the farm. Reduced yields and higher costs can lead to increased food prices for consumers. While recent federal actions, including the use of the Defense Production Act, have provided temporary relief, Burns-Thompson emphasizes the need for long-term policy solutions.

Thompson supports legislative efforts to ensure consistent, science-based regulations and protect access to EPA-approved tools. Strengthening these policies, she argues, will provide farmers with the stability needed to plan for the future and sustain their operations.

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