Bankruptcy
Harrison Pittman, director of the University of Arkansas’ National Agricultural Law Center, says Chapter 12 helps eligible family farms restructure debt and keep operating. Producers should understand their finances and seek professional guidance before a crisis.
U.S. farm debt has topped $605 billion, but vendor financing and other nontraditional lending may mean USDA estimates do not capture the full amount owed.
National Farmers Union President Rob Larew recaps this week’s Washington fly-in, NFU’s Farm Bill priorities, and the growing economic pressure on producers.
For agricultural producers, finding workers is only part of the challenge. The cost of hiring has also become a growing concern.
The Dutch denim brand’s collapse highlights the financial challenges facing circular fashion and cotton manufacturing.
Producers should address liquidity and debt concerns before stronger balance-sheet protections begin weakening.
Federal Reserve data shows Midwest and Southeast farms make up over two-thirds of Chapter 12 filings.
Ag & Business Legal Strategies’ Joe Peiffer discusses Chapter 12 bankruptcy trends in agriculture and rising risks as farm income declines.
Chicago Fed lenders report producers are carrying more operating debt as repayment rates continue weakening across the Midwest.
Operating debt remains manageable in many areas, but rising non-accrual loans show why careful cash-flow management matters in 2026.