Demand for farm loans is way up...but so are bankruptcies.

Demand for farm loans surged in the first quarter of the year, topping the previous record set in 2016.

Economists at the Kansas City Fed say that weaker crop prices over the past year have reduced farm income. That has led to lower loan repayment rates and more renewals and extensions. Last year, farm banks issued more than $115 billion in agricultural loans.

Meanwhile, farm bankruptcies are also on the rise. A University of Arkansas study shows more U.S. farms filed in the first three months of 2025 than in all of 2024.

Extension economist Ryan Loy says the 259 filings signal financial stress, similar to that seen in 2018 and 2019. He points to low commodity prices and higher costs for seed, fertilizer, and diesel.

Related Stories
Dr. Ashley Johnson, with the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), joins us to share the sector’s perspective on new FDA initiatives targeting ultra-processed foods.
Cattle markets are collapsing this week, and analysts say that several factors are at play. Consumer beef prices also remain near all-time highs, threatening long-term demand.
Alan Bjerga, Senior Vice President of Communications with the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), shares updates and resources available to dairy producers.
FarmHER Erin Cumings shares how Nationwide’s “Every STEP Counts” helps farm and agribusiness owners prioritize safety.
The idea of buying more beef from Argentina does not sit well with much of farm country, raising some questions from analysts and producers.
Input costs are top of mind for farmers, as they contribute to higher prices and smaller profits.
The President’s trip to Asia this week follows a trade mission by the Iowa Soybean Association. Farmers say they were reminded that U.S. soybeans have an international reputation that can be easy to take for granted here at home.
Farmers who rely on H-2A workers will see a few key changes to speed up the process and make it fairer. On the ground, producers say labor issues create shortfalls in otherwise productive harvests.
John Appel with the Farmers Business Network (FBN) joins us for a closer look at the 2026 Crop Protection Market Outlook Report.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Experts say flooding the zone with more money could have unintented consequences without opening new markets for planted crops and inputs under significant pressure.
Julie Callahan was nominated earlier this summer by President Donald Trump, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told lawmakers she is ready to hit the ground running.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins signed six MAHA waivers for SNAP in Hawaii, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joined Rural Health Matters to outline a few key reminders for parents about keeping kids healthy during the holiday season.
Farm Journal Foundation Senior Policy Adviser Dr. Stephanie Mercier outlines new research on the top sixteen biosecurity threats in agriculture/
Rancher David Kroa of One Man Ranch joins us to share the story of his remarkable Shorthorn cow, Trish, who is beating the odds.