interest rates

Despite numerous headwinds in 2022, agricultural lending by U.S. farm banks increased by 8.1% last year to $103.1 billion.  The American Bankers Association’s annual Farm Bank Performance Report said the change is due to a 9.7% increase in outstanding loans, secured by farmland and a 5.9% increas...

Farm real estate values increased considerably in 2022 but showed signs of softening during the final months of the year as interest rates rose sharply.  Interest rates on farm loans jumped to decade highs alongside increases in the federal funds rate.    ...

The U.S. economy will progressively slow through the first half of this year, and recession fears are still high, and warranted.  That assessment from CoBank, adding inflation is starting to loosen its grip on farm country.  While a slowing economy does mean that impact of inflation is expected to diminish, that also means the crop prices, and lesser extent livestock prices producers receive in 20

Creighton University’s most recent monthly Rural Mainstreet Index Survey, was primarily sideways, that according to survey organizer Ernie Goss.  He noted the Federal Reserve raising interest rates has cooled economic activity, but not as much as the Fed Reserve would like.  Goss anticipa...

The turbulent see-saw that is oil prices continues to move back and forth.  Over the past week, West Texas Crude prices have moved lower, by slight amounts.  Pattrick DeHaan with GasBuddy said the reason those prices have moved lower may have many people scratching their head.   “Good and ...

Growth in farm real estate values remained strong but showed some signs of easing alongside higher interest rates.  The Kansas City Federal Reserve says the average interest rates on farm loans increased from record lows at the beginning of last year to decade highs by December of 2022.  De...

Farm lending activity continued to gradually increase along with further growth in loan sizes.  The Kansas City Federal Reserve says the average size of non-real estate farm loans was about 20% higher than a year ago and drove an increase in lending volumes for the fourth straight quarter.  Average...

According to the 2022 Ag Lender Survey, produced by the American Bankers Association and Farmer Mac, interest rate volatility is the top concern heading into 2023.  Jackson Takach, chief economist with Farmer Mac, said when it comes to the overall strength of the farm economy, most respondents said the Ag economy is showing improvements.   “...

Farm loan interest rates increased sharply during the third quarter.  The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City said despite the high borrowing costs, farm real estate values continued higher.  However, the rate of increase slowed in the quarter.   Follo...

The Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index fell below growth-neutral for the sixth-consecutive month.  On a scale of one to 100, with 50 representing growth neutral, the Economic Confidence Index plummeted to its lowest level since 2020.  Almost ...