Bushel, a software technology company, unveiled its 2026 State of the Farm report, highlighting a notable demographic shift among farmers and a growing inclination towards digital-first financial and marketing tools. The report reveals that for the first time, farmers under the age of 50 make up nearly 38.4 percent of the survey respondents, a significant increase from 28.8 percent the previous year.
“This year’s data reveals a ‘changing of the guard’ as a younger, more digitally-native generation takes on larger decision-making roles,” Bushel stated. The insights within the report aim to provide a roadmap for both farmers and agribusinesses as they navigate the intersection of traditional practices and emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI).
More than 1,400 farmers from the United States and Canada participated in the report. Notably, this was the first year Bushel inquired about AI usage. The findings indicated that 14 percent of respondents currently employ AI tools on their farms. Among larger farming operations, this figure rises to 50 percent, primarily for business or financial analysis, while only 25 percent utilize AI for yield prediction or agronomic purposes, indicating an initial focus on business management rather than in-field applications.
The report further indicates a rise in the adoption of digital tools for grain marketing, with usage increasing from 21 percent in 2024 to over 31 percent in 2026. Currently, 56 percent of farmers report using an app or software for grain marketing. This technological uptake is not solely driven by innovation; it is also a response to an increasingly complex farm economic environment.
Market volatility and speed are significant factors, as profit opportunities can vanish quickly. Farmers are turning to apps to lock in prices or submit offers instantaneously, with 26 percent citing “less hassle than phone calls or texts” as a primary advantage. In a high-cost environment marked by elevated input costs and fluctuating interest rates, precise digital tracking enables farmers to ascertain break-even points and implement marketing strategies that safeguard their limited margins.
Additionally, the report highlighted a growing demand for better documentation among farmers. Approximately 22.5 percent prioritize “clear documentation when tracking bids and sales activity,” as complex operations necessitate a reliable digital paper trail for offers, contracts, and settlements, crucial for financial planning and bank reporting.
Efficient labor management also plays a role, particularly on larger operations where decision-makers often juggle multiple responsibilities. The flexibility to “edit or cancel offers on my time,” mentioned by 15 percent of respondents, facilitates effective marketing management during busy harvest periods. Furthermore, digital transparency empowers farmers to compare bids from various buyers instantaneously, with 9 percent acknowledging this capability as a competitive advantage.
According to Bushel, the key takeaway for farmers is that they are not alone in this digital transition. “Peer data shows a growing trend toward using mobile apps for grain marketing and banking,” the report explains. Many producers face challenges in integrating different systems, underscoring a need for improved industry standards.
The report also addresses the increasing financial pressures on farmers, noting a rise in equipment financing to 39.1 percent in 2026 from 28 percent in 2025. Operating loans climbed to 38.9 percent from 29.6 percent, while real estate loans increased to 31.2 percent from 21.6 percent. The gap between payment methods and expectations is particularly pronounced among younger farmers, with 82.8 percent currently receiving payment via paper check, despite only 54.9 percent expressing this as their preferred method.
Bushel concluded by stating that “The ‘next-gen’ farmer is here.” This demographic’s preference for text-based communication and mobile-first banking suggests that traditional in-person services may soon become a bottleneck. Investing in digital lien processing, AI-driven insights, and seamless data sharing will be essential for retaining loyalty among this younger, tech-savvy cohort.
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