NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD News) — Relationships with agricultural lenders can directly shape how farms operate and make financial decisions. Research from Auburn University agricultural economists shows that lender interactions influence risk management, borrowing behavior, and long-term planning.
The study identified three main relationship types: collaborative, strained, and transactional. Collaborative relationships are built on trust and communication, with lenders acting as partners who understand agriculture and provide guidance beyond financing. These relationships can help reduce uncertainty and support better decision-making.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Trust with lenders strengthens farm financial decision-making.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Strained relationships often stem from financial pressure or lack of flexibility, adding stress and limiting options during difficult years. Transactional relationships focus primarily on interest rates, which may lower costs but can lead to frequent lender turnover and less familiarity with the operation.
The findings suggest that the way lenders work with producers can be just as important as access to capital itself, especially as financial pressures increase in agriculture.
Small, locally focused wineries are finding resilience through direct sales and regional loyalty rather than scale alone.
December 22, 2025 02:05 PM
·
Recent USDA export sales data show China has been active in the U.S. market, but analysts tell RFD-TV News that the timing is a key clue.
December 22, 2025 12:45 PM
·
Tight feeder supplies and lower placements indicate continued support for the cattle market, with regional impacts heightened in Texas by reduced feeder imports.
December 22, 2025 10:10 AM
·
National Land Realty’s Jeramy Stephens shares his outlook on farmland market trends, which remain under close watch as new federal assistance programs roll out — with experts analyzing potential impacts on land values, buying, and stability.
December 19, 2025 02:15 PM
·
Michelle Perez shares more about the American Farmland Trust’s resource to help farmers and producers plan soil health improvements.
December 19, 2025 02:03 PM
·
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer outlines the key difference between previous ECAP payments and the Farm Bridge Assistance Program.
December 19, 2025 01:56 PM
·
