KANSAS CITY, MO (RFD NEWS) — Ranchland values climbed sharply in the Tenth Federal Reserve District as strong cattle prices continued to support parts of the farm economy.
The Kansas City Federal Reserve says ranchland values rose nearly 11 percent from a year ago, reaching new record highs in early 2026.
Cropland values also improved modestly after recent weakness. Non-irrigated cropland rose about 2.5 percent, while irrigated cropland increased about 4 percent and remained near historic highs.
The farm economy remains split.
The Kansas City Federal Reserve says cattle revenues, government payments, and strong land values are supporting balance sheets, while crop producers still face narrow margins, fertilizer uncertainty, and fuel cost concerns.
Credit conditions continue to show gradual stress. Loan demand increased steadily, repayment rates weakened modestly, and lenders reported that about 20 percent of borrowers had more carryover debt than last year.
Even so, loan denials remained low, and strong farmland values helped keep leverage steady.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Strong cattle markets are lifting ranchland values, but crop-sector margins and carryover debt still point to financial pressure.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Big oils-and-fats volumes can support crush demand, but fuel markets can quickly tighten supplies.
March 06, 2026 12:57 PM
·
Global food prices rose slightly in the latest FAO Food Price Index as vegetable oils, cereals, and meat increased, offsetting declines in dairy and sugar.
March 06, 2026 12:21 PM
·
Weak crop margins and tariff uncertainty are delaying machinery purchases and signaling slower capital investment across U.S. agriculture.
March 05, 2026 02:04 PM
·
Cuban economic reforms could open up nearby export demand, but policy execution remains the key uncertainty.
March 05, 2026 10:33 AM
·
Real Ag’s Shaun Haney explains how farmers are approaching risk management and the steps they’re taking to strengthen profitability through better financial planning.
March 04, 2026 04:48 PM
·
Valley Irrigation’s Darren Siekman explains the advantages of their new pivots for growers managing acreages of up to 60 acres.
March 04, 2026 04:40 PM
·
