LAKELAND, Fla. (RFD NEWS) — Farm balance sheets remain stable heading into 2026 largely because farmland real estate values continue supporting collateral and borrowing capacity even as income weakens.
AgAmerica Lending reports that farmland appreciation slowed in 2025 but remains historically strong. Only a few Midwest areas saw modest declines of two to three percent despite lower commodity prices.
This stability helps producers access credit, but it does not solve profitability challenges. Grain and cotton operations face the most financial pressure due to high costs and softer markets, while livestock — especially beef and poultry — remains comparatively stronger.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Land equity protects solvency but does not replace profitability.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Lenders are increasingly distinguishing between equity strength and income performance. Farms may appear financially healthy on paper, yet struggle to generate enough operating income to cover expenses and debt payments.
Strong land values, therefore, act as a buffer rather than a cure, buying time while producers adjust marketing, spending, and risk strategies.
In today’s Firm to Farm blog post, RFD-TV ag law expert Roger McEowen briefly examines several of the issues that farmers and ranchers face.
August 08, 2024 12:24 PM
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When it comes to agricultural law and tax, educating yourself about potential issues and seeking legal and tax counsel is crucial for any agriculture business.
RFD-TV News contributor Roger McOwen covers important topics in ag law and taxation, including FBAR, Read Before Signing, Reporting 4-H Income, and Attorney-Client Privilege.
RFD-TV Agricultural Law & Taxation expert Roger McEowen discusses the Supreme Court’s recent repeal of the Chevron agreement and other current topics in ag law.
With today’s post, RFD-TV Ag Legal & Tax Expert Roger McEowen focuses on some more common issues farmers, ranchers, and rural landowners frequently face.
Roger McOwen started a new farm law and taxation blog that contains a “Rural Practice Digest.” You can access it through a subscription to his new Substack blog. Find the link here.
