KANSAS CITY, Mo. (RFD NEWS) — Farm financial stress is increasing, but the Kansas City Federal Reserve says the deterioration remains gradual and limited across much of agriculture. The report says low loan delinquency rates, stable farmland values, and modest leverage are helping keep the sector from deeper stress.
Crop producers remain under pressure after three years of narrow profit opportunities, elevated production costs, and low prices. Recent volatility in energy and fertilizer markets has added more uncertainty for 2026.
Even so, government payments and non-farm income have helped limit losses. The report says high-leverage crop farms averaged a loss of about $33,000 in 2025 before counting those supports, but average net income exceeded $100,000 when all income sources were included.
Strong cattle prices and firm land values are also supporting balance sheets. Farmland and machinery remain key assets for refinancing or restructuring debt.
The risk is prolonged crop weakness. Stable farmland values remain critical if losses continue.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Farm finances are tightening, but government support, cattle income, and land values are softening the stress.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Kentucky Farm Bureau President Eddie Melton joins us to discuss fertilizer affordability concerns, Senate Agriculture Committee testimony, and spring planting conditions in Kentucky.
The longtime extension leader and former state senator says agriculture continues shaping his work and values.
Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition joins us to discuss the proposed federal gas tax suspension, fuel cost pressures, and what the policy could mean for agriculture and transportation.
Agri Stats would no longer be allowed to show participant lists, rankings, or “flags,” and it could only report individual company data in narrow situations.
Officials say the tool could give Florida citrus growers another option against a disease that has devastated production for decades.
For dairy producers, that could help support fluid milk use in cafeterias, breakfast programs, and other child nutrition settings.
