KANSAS CITY, MO (RFD NEWS) — Farmland values across the Midwest and Plains held steady in 2025 even as farm income, credit conditions, and repayment trends softened through the year, according to Federal Reserve agricultural credit surveys.
Francisco Scott and Ty Kreitman report cropland values were unchanged or slightly higher across participating Federal Reserve Districts, supported by resilient land demand and ad hoc government assistance despite tightening farm finances. Financial stress remained limited overall through late 2025.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Strong land values continue masking tighter farm finances.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Farm income weakened gradually in the fourth quarter, though declines slowed in some regions. Credit conditions also softened but at a slower pace, with fewer lenders reporting year-over-year deterioration in repayment rates across several Districts. Farm loan interest rates declined modestly from 2023 peaks to about 7.5 percent on average — still above long-term norms.
Regional farmland trends varied. Nonirrigated cropland values rose by more than 5 percent in northern Indiana, Kansas, and Texas but fell by about 4 percent in South Dakota, highlighting localized supply, income, and weather dynamics.
Lower inventories and cautious farrowing plans suggest tighter hog supplies into 2026, keeping producer margins sensitive to demand trends and health risks.
September 26, 2025 11:28 AM
·
Estate tax relief reduces pressure, but succession planning remains the critical challenge for farm families.
September 24, 2025 04:57 PM
·
Midwest corn and soy producers are monitoring for disease and lower yields due to the ongoing drought over the last 30 days.
September 24, 2025 04:38 PM
·
A new study by the National Grains and Feeds Association found that their industry generates $401.7 billion in economic output and supports over 1.16 million jobs nationwide.
September 24, 2025 02:41 PM
·
Herd rebuilding looks slow, keeping cattle prices supported; beef-on-dairy crosses help fill feedlots, while imports temper—but don’t erase—tightness.
September 23, 2025 01:32 PM
·
According to the most recent version of the Household Food Security Report for 2022-2023, food insecurity is on the rise in the U.S.
September 22, 2025 01:49 PM
·
