Banks focusing on agriculture loans are reporting higher profits recently.
Researchers at the University of Illinois crunched the numbers and found that ag banks on average have a return on assets at 1.07 percent, which is compared to non-ag banks at 1.03 percent.
They also found ag banks are more efficient, too, with the efficiency ratio up several points during the fourth quarter.
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Corn demand remains supportive, but weaker soybean buying limits overall export momentum.
The USDA says the framework is about “ending abusive government overreach” and “protecting farmers, families, and private property.”
Farm numbers still favor small operations, but production, resilience, and risk management are increasingly concentrated among fewer, larger farms.
China’s reliance on imported soybeans remains entrenched, shaping global demand and trade leverage.
Cuba remains a steady, nearby buyer of U.S. poultry, pork, dairy, and staples, but legal and compliance risks could still affect shipping and payment channels.
Agriculture remains a key drag on regional growth amid weak prices and policy uncertainty.
