(NAFB.com) – The University of Missouri’s Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute released its 2026 U.S. Agricultural Market Outlook. The near-term outlook for farm finances shows stark differences between crop and livestock sectors. Net returns remain poor for most row crops, but the cattle sector, in contrast, is experiencing record prices and returns to cow-calf producers. Grain and oilseed prices are expected to rebound modestly in 2026, having fallen from their recent peaks. Corn, soybeans, and wheat prices remain below their average of the last decade. Corn prices are projected to average $4.31 for the 2026 crop, while soybean prices are projected at $10.39 a bushel for 2026-2027. Prices for cotton, rice, sorghum, and many other crops are expected to show modest increases, but margins remain poor. The beef cow herd continued declining, resulting in record cow-calf operator profitability. This profitability eventually causes the cycle to turn, and cattle prices are predicted to start declining in 2027.