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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Heavier weights and strong late-year slaughter supported December production, but lower annual totals highlight ongoing supply tightness heading into 2026.
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USDA Rural Development Director for Kentucky, Travis Burton, joined us to discuss the Princeton facility (formerly Porter Road Meats), now backed by the USDA, and its role in expanding domestic meat processing capacity.
