A new report shows the top concern facing ag lenders heading into next year is interest rates.
The Ag Lender Survey shows nearly half of those who responded ranked interest rate volatility as number one, which is up 35.5 percentage points from last year. It shows interest rates have boosted bank net interest margins, but fears of weakening loan demand and strong competition are expected to cut into yields.
Most lenders surveyed say farm profitability increased over the last year but it still remains below the prior average.
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Demand for farm loans surged in the first quarter of the year, topping the previous record set in 2016.
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer says the labor program will now be fully under her department, and consolidation will make the program more affordable and efficient for farmers and ranchers.
Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law joins us now with the highlights.
