Articles tagged under: farm economy
Ag Credit Survey Offers Positive News
Published March 4, 2021
A dramatic improvement in fourth quarter crop prices has resulted in the quickest turnaround in agricultural lending in more than a decade. That’s the finding from the latest Federal Reserve Bank’s ag credit study. Farm loan repayments increased for the…A Fragile Economic Recovery
Published October 9, 2020
The rural economy has started to recover. The new quarterly report from the CoBank Knowledge Exchange says a weaker, steady dollar has supported a price recovery in most agricultural commodities. Strong export sales to China has been a major factor.…August Ag Economy Barometer Shows More Farmer Optimism
Published September 2, 2020
The August Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer showed an increase in farmer sentiment compared to July. Purdue University Center for Commercial Agriculture Director Jim Mintert said farmers are more optimistic about current economic conditions, but the biggest driver in…Plenty of Headwinds in Agriculture
Published May 14, 2020
Prices are low in most sectors of agriculture right now. AgCountry Farm Credit Services CEO Mark Knisley says in the last two years, government payments have been helpful to get farmers through tough times. "Along with Market Facilitation Program payments,…Farm Economy Feels Effects of COVID-19
Published May 14, 2020
The initial effects of the coronavirus pandemic have been felt in agriculture. The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City’s quarterly ag survey found a larger decline in farm income and loan repayment rates than in recent quarters. The reduction in…Larew Elected to Lead National Farmers Union
Published March 2, 2020
The newly elected National Farmers Union President Rob Larew says he will focus on building off of the current strength of the organization. "Times are tough. There are lots of challenges, not the least of which is what the weather…Farm Credit Administration Talks Cash Flow and MFP
Published February 12, 2020
The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture met with Farm Credit Administration CEO Glen Smith on Wednesday. In his hearing testimony, Smith told lawmakers the U.S. farm sector continues to face challenges. "High operating costs for labor, farm inputs and other…Farm Assets are One Driver in a Tough Economy
Published November 19, 2019
Farmers are starting to meet with their bankers as the end of the year approaches. "Currently, the farm economy remains soft," says American Farm Bureau Federation economist Veronica Nigh. Just this year alone farm bankruptcies were up 24 percent compared…A Better Ag Barometer Reading in July
Published August 7, 2019
The latest Purdue University CME Group Ag Economy Barometer jumped to a reading of 153 in July. That's an increase of 27 points compared to June. July is second consecutive monthly increase in the barometer. Purdue University agricultural economists say…