Bankers from across the country are warning tough conversations are ahead.
In a Senate Ag Committee hearing this week, one loan officer testified capital is running out across farm country.
“What we’re seeing is continued significant earned network losses across the board. Talking to lenders down in that area, and as well as what I’m seeing in the Midwest, is certain parts of the Southeast part of the country are on year 2-3, if not 4, of losses and having two bankers are starting to work out plans, and having uncomfortable conversations on ‘what is the end game here?’ When I look at the Midwest coming through renewal season, we were able to get all of our renewals completed this year, but those conversations are ‘what is the burn rate of working capital?’ It’s creeping up on us much faster,” said Caleb Hopkins with First Dakota National Bank.
While there could be a rocky road ahead, producer sentiment is up. Economists with Purdue University say the ag economy barometer rose 11 points last month. However, the report showed little change in how producers feel about future prospects.
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economist Danny Munch explains how the Emergency Livestock Relief Program application process differs from other USDA aid programs.
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According to the National Council of Farmers Cooperatives (NCFC), President and CEO Chuck Conner says, there is only one other option besides addressing ag labor shortages.
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For rural communities, this shift could mean new housing options for farmworkers and young families priced out of metro markets.
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The modest cut should slightly reduce borrowing costs on operating loans, land notes, and equipment financing for agriculture, giving some relief to producers under heavy debt loads.
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Produce markets are in transition as fall approaches, with leafy greens and berries under pressure, while vegetables like celery, broccoli, and cauliflower are finding firmer ground.
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Grain shippers face lower freight values thanks to weak soybean exports and strong rail service, but barge traffic and forward Gulf loadings suggest continued uncertainty as harvest ramps up.
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