Ag Lenders Support CFPB Data Rule Scope Reduction

A narrower Section 1071 rule could reduce regulatory pressure on ag lenders while keeping credit available in rural communities.

TCR Classics 3 - tiny bank.png

Texas Country Reporter

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — Agricultural and rural lenders are backing proposed revisions to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s small-business lending data rule, saying a narrower scope could help preserve access to credit in farm-dependent communities. The American Bankers Association, joined by 52 state bankers’ associations, supports scaling back data-collection requirements under Section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Act, citing concerns about compliance costs and operational strain on community lenders.

The CFPB finalized its original Section 1071 rule in 2023, requiring financial institutions to report detailed data on small-business lending to support fair-lending oversight. That rule prompted lawsuits from banking groups, including the ABA and the Texas Bankers Association, arguing that expanded data mandates exceeded congressional intent and risked discouraging lending by smaller institutions.

Under the revised proposal, the CFPB would limit reporting to core lending products and raise thresholds for covered lenders. Banking groups also support moving the compliance date to January 1, 2028, while seeking added flexibility in determining loan-volume thresholds.

Farm and rural lenders have long warned that broad reporting rules could slow operating, equipment, and land loans by diverting staff time and resources.

Farm-Level Takeaway: A narrower Section 1071 rule could reduce regulatory pressure on ag lenders while keeping credit available in rural communities.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist
Related Stories
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent last week said an announcement would be made on Tuesday. However, that self-imposed deadline has now passed.
RFD-TV Farm Legal and Tax Expert Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law dives into a “potpourri” of ag tax and law-related issues in his latest Firm to Farm blog post.
Congress has just over a month of working days left for the year. Plan for uneven USDA service until funding is restored, and closely monitor Farm Bill talks, as avoiding Permanent Law before January 1 is the single biggest risk to markets and milk prices.
Focus on home radon testing—not changing your diet—because background sources vastly outweigh any exposure from naturally radioactive foods.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joins us to provide an updated analysis of projected ARC and PLC payments and potential delays due to the ongoing government shutdown.
Dr. Beetham outlined the background of the EU’s decision to modernize seed regulations and where the process stands today, and its impact on global agriculture and food security.
“It, all of a sudden, says that tracking and fighting hunger is not a priority, apparently, at the federal level.”
In a final rule published in the Federal Register, the Department states that it will no longer base wage rates on the Farm Labor Survey.
Farmers will need to closely monitor forecasts if the regulatory changes are implemented, as temperature cutoffs will replace fixed spray dates.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Tyson’s capacity cuts weaken local basis, tighten kill space, and heighten dependence on imports, signaling more volatility for producers.
Low farmer shares reflect deep consolidation across the food chain, keeping producer returns thin even as retail food prices remain high.
Strong yields and higher cattle prices helped stabilize conditions, but weak crop prices and rising carryover debt remain major challenges for Eleventh District farmers.
Corn exports remain strong, while soybeans and wheat shift week to week on river conditions and global demand.
A regional snapshot of harvest pace, crop conditions, logistics, and livestock economics across U.S. agriculture, prepared by RFD-TV Markets Specialist Tony St. James, for the week of Monday, November 24, 2025.
Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller warns horse owners after EHV-1 cases linked to the Waco WPRA Finals. Horses linked to recent Waco events should be isolated and closely monitored, as early action is critical to stopping the spread of EHV-1.