Despite a shaky economy, commercial ag lenders say they have been having a good run lately.
Analysts with the University of Illinois found in the fourth quarter of last year, commercial banks specializing in ag lending reported a higher return on average assets. They also found they are more cost-efficient than non-ag banks.
The banking sector is still resilient overall, but Fed Chair Jerome Powell warns the outlook is uncertain because of high inflation.
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Total red meat supplies were up 4 percent from March but down 4 percent from April 2025.
The risk is prolonged crop weakness. Stable farmland values remain critical if losses continue.
Year-to-date red meat production is down 2 percent, with beef lower and pork higher.
For producers, demand is strong, but drought, disease, and costs still shape supply.
