Agricultural outlook:USDAʼs annual forum forecasts future of agriculture since 1923
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) held its 101st Annual Agricultural Outlook Forum on Feb. 27-28 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Va., themed “Meeting Tomorrow’s Challenges, Today.”
The 2025 program featured remarks by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, a presentation on agricultural markets and trade by USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer, numerous distinguished speakers and 30 breakout sessions covering timely agricultural, food, market and environmental issues.
While the forum was held in a hybrid format, onsite attendees had the opportunity to visit booths showcasing important missions and activities of various USDA agencies, as well as recent USDA-funded innovations.
About the forum
According to USDA’s website, the first Agricultural Outlook Forum was held in 1923 to distribute and interpret national forecasts to farmers in the field.
Organized by USDA’s Office of the Chief Economist, along with other USDA agencies, the forum’s goal was to provide farmers with information developed through economic forecasting so they had the tools they need to read market signals and avoid producing beyond demand.
Since then, the annual event has developed into a unique platform where key stakeholders from the U.S. and the worldwide agricultural industry come together every year to discuss current and emerging topics and trends.
The forum offers opportunities to exchange ideas and share best practices among producers, processors, policymakers, government officials and non-governmental organizations – both domestic and international – and to hear from USDA’s chief economist about the future of agriculture and trade for the coming year.
USDA annual forum kicks off
Gregg Doud, National Milk Producers Federation president and former U.S. chief agricultural trade negotiator, kicked off the annual event by elaborating on his testimony at a recent Congressional hearing, where he told members of the U.S. House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade the U.S. government needs to ensure trade agreements are enforced, benefiting producers, workers and shippers who rely on them.
He also provided an overview of U.S. trade relationships around the world and later in the day, went on to discuss how Congress and the Trump administration can promote trade policies and support the agricultural industry.
Following Doud’s presentation, Meyer shared insights on the 2025 projections for beef, swine, eggs and dairy industries.
Meyer’s outlook presents a complex picture for the industry. While certain sectors such as the swine industry indicate signs of recovery, others like the cattle, layer and egg markets continue to face supply constraints and price pressures.
To conclude the morning session on opening day, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City Chief Executive Officer and President Jeff Schmid sounded a warning about rising inflation expectations and concerns over economic growth, noting the U.S. central bank may soon confront both.
Keynote speaker
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins was originally scheduled to address the audience in person at the USDA’s Agricultural Outlook Forum, but unfortunately, due to a last-minute flight cancellation, she had to present virtually.
Despite this unforeseen circumstance, Rollins delivered an insightful speech highlighting the economic challenges currently facing American farmers and provided an overview of the administration’s policy priorities.
“We’re committed to getting a fair deal for American agriculture and trade. As you know, this is a top priority for this White House, and we’re going to get it done. I know many in our industry are concerned – and rightly so – about the effect of tariffs on farmers, but I want you to know your concerns are heard. I will always be your greatest champion,” she stated.
Rollins also provided updates on disaster relief, stating the administration is going to deliver $40 billion in emergency aid and the effort is moving quickly, with plans to meet the March 21 deadline set by Congress.
Concluding her speech, Rollins promised the administration would reach “new levels of prosperity” for farmers within four years, following a path similar to former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue.
USDA sessions
Over the two-day event, the forum hosted various open sessions for attendees, including a presentation on the U.S. farm income outlook, in which a panel of financial experts discussed the latest USDA farm sector income and wealth forecasts through 2025.
Attendees also had the opportunity to discuss the challenges posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in agriculture with a panel of leading researchers from around the country.
The panel gave updates on the latest technology and procedures in research and development aimed at finding a solution to the impact of existing PFAS, as well as strategies for tackling their effects.
During the diversifying agriculture trade session, a panel of agriculture leaders discussed rationale and tools for accomplishing more diversified export markets while acknowledging the benefits of working closely with major trading partners.
They mentioned diversification can be explored, both in terms of trading partners and in terms of finding new markets for new ag products.
This year’s forum also provided individual sessions on the 2025 outlook on the grains and seeds, livestock and poultry, cotton, sugar and dairy industries.
Another session focused on farm and rural workforce housing needs, with a panel discussion on solutions for housing in rural America.
The panelists addressed ways in which USDA and other organizations may support agricultural producers and rural citizens in housing development by creating more affordable housing, which is essential for the development of rural areas and also supports job creation and retention of existing employees in the agriculture sector.
Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
