Welcome back to the Bushel Farm Newsletter

This newsletter is for farmers who like to stay sharp. Each month, we share updates on Bushel Farm, ag news, and ideas from folks across the industry.

We’ll keep you in the loop on what’s happening at Bushel and across our network of 3,500 grain and ag retail facilities moving over half of U.S. grain.

Thanks for reading. Let’s get to it.

Product Updates

Log In with Mobile Number

You can now log in to your Bushel Farm account with your mobile phone number.

How to log in with mobile number:

1. Enter your mobile number on the login screen.
2. Receive a Bushel login code via text message.
3. Enter the code and select the Bushel Farm account you'd like to log into.

And COMING SOON log in using Face ID or passkey!

Farmer Voices: Your Whole Farm In One App

2025 Bushel Buddy Seat Conference: Farmer Testimonial

Bushel Farm helps Alex Bata keep his entire farm at his fingertips. From chemical records to seed info, he can access everything in one place—on any device.

Farm Sentiment Slips in June Amid Trade Uncertainty

Farmer sentiment took a step back in June, according to the latest Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. After two months of improvement, the barometer fell 12 points to 146, driven largely by a sharp decline in producers’ outlook for the future. The Index of Future Expectations dropped 18 points, signaling growing unease, especially around agricultural exports.

Trade Concerns Erode Confidence

One of the biggest factors dragging down sentiment is producer concern over trade. The percentage of farmers expecting increased ag exports over the next five years fell from 52% in May to 41% in June. Meanwhile, more producers now expect exports to decline. Worries over U.S. trade policy and tariffs persist, though fewer respondents now see a "very negative" impact compared to earlier this year.

Only 31% of farmers strongly agree that free trade benefits agriculture, a notable drop from 49% in 2020.

Financial Outlook Dips Slightly, But Investment Sentiment Improves

The Farm Financial Performance Index dipped 5 points to 104, reflecting a modest pullback in optimism for 2025. Still, with the index above 100, most farmers expect better financial conditions than last year, particularly supported by strength in the livestock sector.

Interestingly, the Farm Capital Investment Index rose to 60, its highest in two months. More farmers (24%) believe now is a good time to invest, but this optimism doesn’t seem to extend to machinery purchases. Over half (54%) still plan to reduce equipment buys compared to last year.

Farmland Values: Holding Steady

The Short-Term Farmland Value Expectations Index slipped 4 points to 120. Fewer farmers (32%) expect values to rise, but the majority (56%) now anticipate values to hold steady, suggesting stable land prices in the short term.

Bright Spot: Income Forecast for 2025

Despite the dip in sentiment, the USDA’s Economic Research Service projects a strong rebound in farm income. Net cash farm income is forecast to rise nearly 19% to $193.7 billion in 2025, driven in part by a major increase in disaster-related government payments under the American Relief Act of 2025. Net farm income is also expected to jump 26%, though both metrics remain below 2022's record highs.

Takeaway for Row Crop Producers

While near-term financial and investment indicators remain relatively stable, shifting expectations around exports and trade policy are clearly weighing on the longer-term outlook. Still, with support coming from projected income growth and steady land values, there's room for cautious optimism as planning for 2026 gets underway.

Upcoming Wallet Enhancements

Coming later this year

Mobile check deposit: Deposit checks from the convenience of your phone.

Debit Cards will be available later this year, giving you easy access to funds in your Bushel Business Account.

3 Strategies For Weathering Years Of Low Farm Income

Farm income is expected to drop nearly 20% this year, but there are ways to stay resilient. This article breaks down three practical strategies farmers can use to manage tighter margins: focusing on cash flow, building strong lender relationships, and understanding breakevens. It’s a quick read with helpful reminders for navigating a tougher year.

5 Things Farmers Should Know Now 45Z Is A Real Thing

The 45Z tax credit is coming in 2025, and it could mean real value for low-carbon grain. This article outlines five key things farmers should know now—from how the credit works to what data they’ll need to capture. It’s a heads-up for anyone thinking about sustainability and future grain premiums.

*The interest rate for the Bushel Business Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed interest rate is effective as of July 23, 2025. Bushel is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking Services for the Bushel Business Account are provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. FDIC insurance only covers the failure of an FDIC-insured bank. The standard FDIC deposit insurance limit is $250,000 per depositor, per FDIC- insured bank, per ownership category through The Bancorp Bank, N.A. and its sweep program banks. See the Bushel website  and the Deposit Account Agreement for more details.
**Cash back into a Bushel Business Account will occur at the time after an annual subscription fee is paid. If an annual subscription fee has already been paid in 2025 and a subscriber has opened a Bushel Business Account, Bushel will deposit cash back funds into the connected Bushel Business Account.