WASHINGTON, D.C. (NAFB) – The 2021 Agricultural outlook is “positive” but with “uncertainties,” according to USDA’s Chief Economist Seth Meyers at this year’s first virtual Ag Outlook Forum.

Meyers told the 97th Annual Agricultural Outlook Forum on Building Innovation—a Pathway to Resilience

With USDA now forecasting fiscal ’21 exports at $157 billion…tape

But Meyers says this year is also marked by uncertainties in disposable incomes, consumer demand, supply chains, shipping container costs and more.

With big impacts on volatile dairy prices and fruits and vegetable demand.

However, Meyers says farm receipts and income will rise, not everywhere, but likely in the Midwest with its staple crops and livestock, helping replace government payments.

The Biden Administration already froze CFAP as the new team reviews program costs, gaps and dollars left in key areas—talks Meyers expects to start in earnest if as expected Tom Vilsack is confirmed again as Secretary next week.