The USDA's February Farm Income Forecast expects net farm income in the U.S. to decline by 8.7 per cent this year.
The department points out the decrease marks a fourth straight year of decline.
The farm forecast also shows mixed results across sectors for profitability in 2017.
The department says overall cash receipts are forecast to remain mostly unchanged.
Dairy reciepts are projected to make the biggest gains, up 13.7 per cent from last year.
Cattle is predicted to take the biggest loss.
The USDA credits anticipated lower market prices for a drop of 6.7 per cent.
Grain forecasts are also mostly unchanged.
