Ag lenders predict that just 58% of farm borrowers will be profitable this year

New data shows U.S. ag lenders believe that only 58% of farm borrowers will be profitable this year. That would be 20% drop from last year, showing just how challenging 2024 has been for agriculture.

A chief economist with Farmer Mac tells Drovers the responses highlight slowing land values and a profitability shift from crops towards animal proteins. However, ag lenders are leveraging their resources and relationships to guide producers through the economic cycle.

The top concerns they have are liquidity and farm income.