Key Takeaways
- According to the 2025 Agricultural Weather Challenges Report from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), 48% of farmers reported weather-related losses exceeding $10,000, with small farms particularly affected.
- Drought was the most reported issue, impacting 82% of surveyed farmers.
- On-site weather monitoring adoption increased 7% year-over-year, while reliance on traditional weather sources declined.
- U.S. farmers show reduced concern about climate change, while concern rose significantly among Canadian farmers.
- The 2025 AEM report emphasizes a shift toward precision agriculture and localized weather data tools.
Weather-Related Losses Affect Nearly Half of Farmers According To AEM
Small Farms Among the Most Impacted
According to the newly released 2025 Agricultural Weather Challenges Report from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), 48% of farmers across North America experienced financial losses exceeding $10,000 due to weather-related events in the past year.
The report, based on a survey of 128 active farmers across nine countries, indicates that small-scale farms—those with fewer than 100 acres—were particularly vulnerable, with 60% reporting significant losses. Weather now ranks as the second most pressing concern for farmers, behind only labor costs.
Drought Identified as Leading Weather Concern
Broad Impacts Across Regions
Drought was the most commonly cited weather issue in the report, affecting 82% of farmers surveyed. Other challenges include erratic precipitation, extreme heat, and shifting seasonal patterns, contributing to crop loss and disruptions in planting or harvest schedules.
These conditions have increased the urgency for better resource planning, particularly in soil moisture management and irrigation efficiency, according to respondents.
AEM’s Report Highlights Shift Toward Real-Time Weather Data and Technology
Decline in Traditional Forecasting Sources
The report notes a 5% decline in the use of traditional weather sources such as television and free weather apps since 2023. At the same time, on-site weather monitoring adoption has grown by 7%, reflecting a move toward precision agriculture tools that enable real-time, localized decision-making.
“This report confirms what we’re hearing from farmers every day—weather challenges are not only persistent, but they’re forcing a shift in how growers make decisions,” said Chris Sullivan, Agriculture Market Sector Leader at AEM. “Traditional weather sources alone are no longer enough. More farmers are turning to real-time, localized monitoring to build resilience, optimize resources, and protect their operations from increasing climate volatility.”
AEM’s Report Shows Climate Perceptions Vary Between U.S. and Canada
Diverging Views on Long-Term Climate Risks
The report highlights a contrast in climate-related concerns between the U.S. and Canada:
- In the United States, concern over climate change declined from 59% in 2023 to 53% in 2024. Respondents emphasized practical concerns such as drought resilience and soil monitoring over broader climate impacts.
- In Canada, concern has increased sharply, with 67% of farmers expressing worry about climate change—double the percentage from the previous year. This shift is attributed in part to wildfire risk and extreme weather patterns, prompting greater investment in forecasting tools and air quality monitoring.
AEM’s Report Offers Insights for Stakeholders
Actionable Findings for AgTech and Policy
The 2025 Agricultural Weather Challenges Report offers data-driven insights aimed at supporting farmers, technology providers, and policymakers. The findings reinforce the growing importance of site-specific climate tools and adaptive strategies to address both short-term weather disruptions and long-term environmental shifts.
The full report is available from AEM and is intended to inform industry strategies that promote operational resilience in a changing climate.
Read the full report here.
