Bushel released its 2026 State of the Farm report, revealing early adoption of artificial intelligence and expanding use of digital tools among farmers across the U.S. and Canada. The report surveyed over 1,400 farmers and noted a significant rise in younger farmers under 50, who now represent 38.4% of respondents, up from 28.8% last year.
AI use remains in its infancy, with 14% of farmers currently using AI tools. Among larger farms, 50% use AI for business or financial analysis, while only 25% apply it to yield prediction or agronomy, indicating early adoption focuses more on management than fieldwork.
Digital grain marketing tools have grown from 21% usage in 2024 to over 31% in 2026, with 56% of farmers now using apps or software for marketing. Younger farmers show strong interest in submitting firm offers or selling grain online, despite limited current options.
Financial pressures are reflected in increased use of financing products, including equipment financing (39.1%), operating loans (38.9%), and real estate loans (31.2%). Farmers using ag retailer financing prioritize digital tools more than those using traditional lenders.
A notable payment gap exists among farmers under 50, with 82.8% paid by paper check but only 54.9% preferring that method, highlighting evolving expectations in farm payments.
