Risk in Agriculture

Risk is an important aspect of the farming business. The uncertainties inherent in weather, yields, prices, Government policies, global markets, and other factors that impact farming can cause wide swings in farm income. Risk management involves adopting strategies that can mitigate negative financial effects from such uncertainties.

Five general types of risk are described here: production risk, price or market risk, financial risk, institutional risk, and human or personal risk.

Production risk derives from the uncertain natural growth processes of crops and livestock. Both the quantity and quality of commodities produced are affected by weather, disease, pests, and other factors.

Price or market risk refers to uncertainty about the prices producers will receive for commodities or the prices producers must pay for inputs. The nature of price risk varies significantly from commodity to commodity.

Financial risk results when the farm business borrows money and creates an obligation to repay debt. Aspects of financial risk include rising interest rates, the prospect of loans being called by lenders, and restricted credit availability.

Institutional risk results from uncertainties surrounding government actions. Examples of government decisions that can have a major impact on the farm business include tax laws, regulations for chemical use, rules for animal waste disposal, and the level of price or income support payments.

Human or personal risk refers to factors such as problems with human health or personal relationships that can affect the farm business. Examples of personal crises that can threaten a farm business include accidents, illness, death, and divorce.

The Stocking Impact and Financial-Climate Risk of the Livestock Forage Disaster Program Federal Programs for Agricultural Risk Management U.S. Agricultural Policy Review, 2022 COVID-19 Working Paper: Unpriced Commodity Inventory and COVID-19 Pandemic Assistance Puerto Rico’s Agricultural Economy in the Aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria: A Brief Overview

See all

With Expanded Options, Organic Producers of Specialty Crops Increase Use of Federal Risk Management Products Use of Federal Risk Management Programs Varies Widely by Specialty Crop USDA’s Corn Output Projections Inform Futures Price Movements A Look At USDA, Economic Research Service’s Commodity Costs and Returns Data Corn and Soybean Farmers Combine Futures, Options, and Marketing Contracts To Manage Financial Risks

See all

Commodity Costs and Returns Season-Average Price Forecasts

Farm Economy Farm Practices & Management Farm & Commodity Policy