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Refinancing Dilemma: Lender & Borrower
In my travels this year across more than 25 states and through discussions with lenders and borrowers, a common question continues to surface: Is the...
10 June, 2026
6 min read
Reading the Field: An Agricultural Lending Assessment for 2026
Agricultural lenders and producers are operating in an increasingly complex economic environment, and the stakes continue to rise for understanding...
10 May, 2026
6 min read
Southbound Surge: U.S. Corn Exports Gain Momentum in Mexico
Export demand has emerged as a potential hero in the story of record 2025 U.S. corn production. Strong yields and rising global inventories pressured...
20 April, 2026
4 min read
Domestic Drought and Global Production Tighten the Screws on U.S. Farm Margins
The 2026 season begins with widespread U.S. drought, low soil moisture, and weak Western snowpack, threatening yields and raising irrigation and feed...
20 April, 2026
4 min read
Resilience Under Pressure: Farm Bankruptcy Levels and Implications for Ag Lenders
Farm Chapter 12 bankruptcies rose to 315 filings in 2025 (up 46% from 2024), yet remain far below past peaks, signaling stress rather than collapse....
20 April, 2026
6 min read
Farm Income Holds Up in 2026, Thanks to Record Government Support
The USDA projects 2026 net cash farm income (NCFI) rising about 3% to $158.5B, largely because direct federal payments are predicted to surge to a...
20 April, 2026
4 min read
The Callable Curve: What’s Been Driving Ag Interest Rates
Even as U.S. Treasury rates climbed from 2021 to 2023, many farm borrowers moved toward loans with shorter interest-rate reset periods. One...
20 April, 2026
4 min read
Farmland Price Index Update – Q4 2025
The Farmland Price Index (FPI) continued to show farmland values plateauing nationally in Q4 2025. The FPI declined modestly at year's end relative...
20 April, 2026
2 min read
Charting the Course: Agricultural Lending in 2026
In charting the course for 2026, recent conversations with agricultural lenders, risk management professionals, and, of course, agricultural...
10 March, 2026
6 min read
Rates, Risk, and Resilience: What 2026 Could Mean for the U.S. Ag Economy
Webinar was held on February 12, 2026
12 February, 2026
National Land Podcast: What Will Happen to Land Values in 2026?
Farmer Mac’s Jackson Takach returns with a title update and a clear read on the new USDA outlook. He unpacks why USDA revised 2025 net cash farm...
6 February, 2026
ABA Agricultural Bankers Conference Highlights Key Trends and Challenges
The 73rd American Bankers Association Agricultural Bankers Conference was held in St. Louis in November, drawing higher attendance and using a format...
6 January, 2026
8 min read
Resetting Expectations: The Great Loan Shortening
Farm loan demand is on the rise in 2025, spurred by compressed profit margins for many crop producers. For operators looking to tap equity on their...
5 January, 2026
3 min read
Trending, Not Tumbling: Why Ag Loan Performance Signals Stability (For Now)
U.S. farm loan performance in 2025 has returned to historical averages, with non-performing loan rates near 1%. While some regions show elevated...
5 January, 2026
4 min read
Ag Trade in the Time of Tariffs
U.S. agricultural trade has faced significant shifts in 2025 due to new tariffs and evolving trade policies. While the value of imports has dropped...
5 January, 2026
3 min read
Farmland Price Index Update – Q3 2025
The Farmland Price Index (FPI) declined modestly in Q3 2025 according to the initial data. The modest drop marked a continuation of the pullback in...
5 January, 2026
2 min read
Sour Grapes: Wine Consumption Decline Stresses Growers
A pullback in wine consumption over the past several years has emerged as a significant headwind for U.S. wine grape growers. While it remains...
5 January, 2026
4 min read
Labor a Core Challenge for Apple Growers
With harvest in storage, apple producers can celebrate what looks to be a production rebound in 2025. Unfortunately, some producers may require that...
5 January, 2026
4 min read
Farmer Mac Names Matthew M. Pullins as EVP – Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
WASHINGTON, D.C., December 8, 2025 – The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE: AGM and AGM.A), the nation’s secondary market...
8 December, 2025
2 min read
Farmer Mac Closes $313.5 Million Securitization of Agricultural Mortgage-Backed Securities (AMBS)
WASHINGTON, D.C., December 3, 2025 – The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE: AGM and AGM.A), the nation’s secondary market...
3 December, 2025
3 min read
2025 Ag Lender Survey: Ag Lenders Signal Cautious Outlook for Farm Profitability in 2025
ABA, Farmer Mac survey results released at ABA Agricultural Bankers Conference in St. Louis Agricultural lenders report signs of tighter conditions...
12 November, 2025
4 min read
Working Through Volatility
Lenders know that when the dollar drops—as it did by roughly 11% in the first half of 2025—it’s normally good news for agriculture. A cheaper dollar...
10 November, 2025
2 min read
Farmer Mac Reports Third Quarter 2025 Results
- Outstanding Business Volume of $31.1 Billion - WASHINGTON, D.C., November 3, 2025 — The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac;...
3 November, 2025
6 min read
Farmer Mac to Announce Third Quarter 2025 Financial Results
WASHINGTON, D.C., October 20, 2025 — The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE: AGM and AGM.A), the nation’s secondary market...
20 October, 2025
1 min read
Building Strong Customer Relationships in Lending
As artificial intelligence (AI) and technology reshape our industry, the human touch becomes even more valuable. There’s truth in the saying that...
30 September, 2025
6 min read
Farmer Mac Announces Retirement of CEO Bradford Nordholm and Appoints Zachary N. Carpenter President and COO
WASHINGTON, D.C., September 25, 2025 – The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE: AGM and AGM.A), the nation’s secondary market...
25 September, 2025
3 min read
Farmer Mac Declares Dividend on Series H Preferred Stock
WASHINGTON, D.C., September 10, 2025 — The board of directors of the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac) has declared a dividend...
10 September, 2025
1 min read
Webinar Recording: Expert Perspectives on USDA’s Farm Income Release
Webinar was held September 3, 2025
3 September, 2025
1 min read
Fields of Plenty: Grain Outlook for 2025
The 2025 grain outlook predicts strong global supplies, with robust corn and soybean stocks, and lower but steady wheat reserves. Favorable weather...
27 August, 2025
4 min read
An Unprecedented Cycle in Almond Prices?
After a decade-long decline, almond prices have finally rebounded over the past year—a welcome shift for producers. While the rise and fall of almond...
27 August, 2025
4 min read
A Brief History of (ITC and PTC) Time
The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and Production Tax Credit (PTC) have significantly influenced the growth of renewable energy in the U.S., supporting...
27 August, 2025
7 min read
Beefing with Imports
Sizzling retail beef demand and extraordinary live cattle prices have most U.S. ranchers riding high in the saddle this year. However, one fly in...
27 August, 2025
3 min read
Grit in the Grease: Farm Machinery (Loan) Demand Trending Lower
Farm machinery sales continue to decline, hampered by elevated interest rates, weak commodity prices, and the recent surge in machinery upgrades...
27 August, 2025
3 min read
Farmland Price Index Update – Q2 2025
Farmland markets sent mixed signals across the country this summer. The USDA released the annual Land Values report in August, which showed a...
27 August, 2025
2 min read
Cream of the Crop: High Calf Prices Altering Dairy Economics
Record-high beef prices continue to impact the U.S. dairy sector in unexpected ways. Dairy producers have limited expansion plans in favor of...
27 August, 2025
5 min read
La Nada, No Problem: Weather Outlook for 2025 Harvest and Beyond
Mild and dry fall conditions are expected for the 2025 harvest across the Midwest, with neutral "La Nada" climate patterns persisting and a possible...
27 August, 2025
3 min read
Farmer Mac Prices $100 Million of Series H Preferred Stock
WASHINGTON, D.C., August 20, 2025 — The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE: AGM and AGM.A) today announced that it has...
20 August, 2025
2 min read
Farmer Mac Announces Geraldine Hayhurst as New Chief Legal Officer and Planned Retirement of General Counsel, Stephen Mullery
WASHINGTON, D.C., August 18, 2025 — The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE: AGM and AGM.A), the nation’s secondary market...
18 August, 2025
3 min read
Farmer Mac Declares Quarterly Dividends on Common and Preferred Stock
WASHINGTON, D.C., August 14, 2025 — The board of directors of the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac) has declared a third quarter...
14 August, 2025
1 min read
Farmer Mac Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results
WASHINGTON, D.C., August 7, 2025 — The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE: AGM and AGM.A), the nation's secondary market...
7 August, 2025
6 min read
Webinar Recording: Agriculture and Ag Lending in Economic Disorder
Webinar was held on July 29, 2025.
29 July, 2025
1 min read
What Does Your Balance Sheet Say When You're Not Listening?
I recently experienced something historic in Omaha, Nebraska: being in the presence of Warren Buffett when he announced his retirement from Berkshire...
28 July, 2025
7 min read
Farmer Mac to Announce Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 24, 2025 — The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE: AGM and AGM.A), the nation’s secondary market...
24 July, 2025
1 min read
Farmer Mac Announces Departure of Chief Financial Officer
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 10, 2025 – The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE: AGM and AGM.A), the nation’s secondary market...
10 July, 2025
2 min read
Farm Credit Bank of Texas & Partners Unite to Support Texas Hill Country Flood Relief
Our hearts are with the Texas Hill Country communities devastated by this weekend’s catastrophic flooding and their tragic loss of over 100 lives. ...
9 July, 2025
Farmer Mac Closes $300.1 Million Securitization of Agricultural Mortgage- Backed Securities (AMBS)
WASHINGTON, D.C., June 11, 2025 – The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE: AGM and AGM.A), the nation’s secondary market...
11 June, 2025
2 min read
Raising the Steaks
The beef cattle industry is thriving on strong consumer beef demand, amid a shrinking U.S. cattle herd, leading to record profitability for...
28 May, 2025
4 min read
“Pasture” Prime? An Analysis of the Equine Industry
The U.S. equine industry continues to evolve, as it has for numerous decades. Replaced by cars a century ago as the primary source of transportation,...
28 May, 2025
6 min read
Farmland Price Index Update - Q1 2025
The initial estimate for the Q1 FPI showed farmland prices declining modestly in Q1. The moderate pullback comes amid a slowdown in farmland values...
28 May, 2025
3 min read
A Farm Income Upswing amid Tariff Turbulence?
Farm sector profits are projected to rebound in 2025, fueled by strong livestock prices and expansive government payments. In all likelihood, the...
28 May, 2025
4 min read
Laboring over agricultural Imports
Trade deficits have garnered significant attention in 2025, including in the agricultural sector, which has historically maintained a trade surplus...
28 May, 2025
3 min read
Making (Too Much?) Hay While the Sun Shines
Hay prices have continued to soften in 2025 after reaching historic levels less than two years ago. As is the case with other U.S. commodities,...
28 May, 2025
3 min read
What in the World? How the U.S. Became a Net Importer of Food and Agriculture
The U.S. has shifted from being a net exporter to a net importer of food and agricultural products in recent years. This change stems from higher...
28 May, 2025
4 min read
Bridging the Divide: Digital Connectivity as a Catalyst for Rural Economic Resilience
Rural prosperity is shifting in a big way. It's no longer just about traditional industries—today, the economic strength and vitality of rural...
20 May, 2025
2 min read
Top Questions from the Speaking Circuit
My recent engagements across 21 states and with Canadian and Mexican neighbors have surfaced several recurring questions about agricultural lending...
20 May, 2025
7 min read
Transforming Ag Lending: Technology’s Expanding Role in Credit, Risk, and Loan Delivery
Data and analytics have been transforming how farmers make decisions for years—whether it's choosing which fields to plant, when to irrigate, or how...
15 May, 2025
2 min read
Digital Connectivity: As a Driver of Smart Agriculture and Sustainability
A digital transformation in agriculture is underway, expanding the boundaries of smart, efficient, and sustainable farming practices. By adopting...
14 May, 2025
2 min read
Farmer Mac Declares Quarterly Dividends on Common and Preferred Stock
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 14, 2025 — The board of directors of the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac) has declared a second quarter...
14 May, 2025
1 min read
Farmer Mac Reports First Quarter 2025 Results
- Outstanding Business Volume of $29.8 Billion - WASHINGTON, D.C., May 9, 2025 — The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE:...
9 May, 2025
7 min read
Farmer Mac to Announce First Quarter 2025 Financial Results
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 24, 2025 — The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE: AGM and AGM.A), the nation’s secondary market...
24 April, 2025
1 min read
Agricultural Lending Circa 2025
The start of the second quarter of the 21st century has been full of speaking engagements with producers, agricultural lenders, and agribusiness...
28 March, 2025
6 min read
Farmer Mac Appoints Daniel L. Shaw to Board of Directors
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 26, 2025 — The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE: AGM and AGM.A), the nation's secondary market...
26 March, 2025
2 min read
Understanding Farmland Value Trends: Introducing a New Farmland Price Index
Given its role as the bedrock of the agricultural sector and an important economic driver, the current market value of farmland garners special...
12 March, 2025
5 min read
Shifting Gears: How A Steepening Yield Curve is Impacting Bank Loan Demand
Many agricultural producers have been buffeted by market forces over the past two years. Falling revenues, higher costs, and elevated interest rates...
5 March, 2025
4 min read
Farmer Mac Reports 2024 Results
- Announces 7% Dividend Increase - - Outstanding Business Volume of $29.5 Billion - WASHINGTON, D.C., February 21, 2025 — The Federal Agricultural...
21 February, 2025
8 min read
Farmer Mac to Announce Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results
WASHINGTON, D.C., February 6, 2025 — The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE: AGM and AGM.A), the nation’s secondary market...
6 February, 2025
1 min read
Banker Conference: State of the Agricultural Economy
Annually, one of the best venues to gain a vantage point of the state of the agricultural banking industry and economy is the Agricultural Bankers...
21 January, 2025
7 min read
Holiday Food Prices
The holidays elicit warm memories of food for many, perhaps even more so than any other time of the year. This holiday season, shoppers may rejoice...
25 December, 2024
2 min read
Hertz: Farmland Market Update December 2024
Doug Hensley, president of Hertz Real Estate Services, provides insights into the current farmland market and uses data from Farmer Mac and ABA’s...
19 December, 2024
Concerns and Perspectives of Agricultural Lenders
Farm Credit University (FCU), a blended educational program, provides a vantage point for the economic pulse of the agriculture industry and...
6 December, 2024
6 min read
Farmer Mac Closes $318.8 Million Securitization of AMBS
WASHINGTON, D.C., November 26, 2024 – The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE: AGM and AGM.A), the nation’s secondary market...
26 November, 2024
2 min read
Ag Lender Survey: Farm Profitability Expected to Decline in 2024
Agricultural lenders expect only 58% of borrowers will remain profitable this year compared to 78% last year, according to the 2024 Ag Lender Survey...
14 November, 2024
3 min read
Farmer Mac Declares Quarterly Dividends on Common and Preferred Stock
WASHINGTON, D.C., November 6, 2024 — The board of directors of the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac) has declared a fourth...
6 November, 2024
1 min read
Farmer Mac Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results
- Outstanding Business Volume of $28.5 Billion - WASHINGTON, D.C., November 4, 2024 — The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac;...
4 November, 2024
7 min read
Addition by Subtraction: The Paradoxical Benefits of Selling Farm Mortgages to Farmer Mac
There’s a common misconception that selling farm mortgage loans to Farmer Mac leads to smaller loan portfolios, fewer assets, and lower returns....
30 October, 2024
4 min read
Farm Progress: This isn’t the ’80s
The Farm Financial Crisis of the 1980s is seemingly manifested with each disheartening report of low farm income or high interest rates, slim margins...
22 October, 2024
Farmer Mac to Announce Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results
WASHINGTON, D.C., October 21, 2024 — The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE: AGM and AGM.A), the nation’s secondary market...
21 October, 2024
1 min read
National Land Podcast: Market Watch 2024: Q3 Land Values
How will interest rate drops affect land sales? Today is our quarterly economic update, covering interest rate impact on agriculture, land for sale,...
10 October, 2024
High Plains Journal: “A closer look at the tougher economic times ahead”
During these tougher economic times, it’s also important for both lenders and regulators to be proactive, said Jackson Takach, the chief economist...
30 September, 2024
Changes in Credit and Financial Culture
All signs are pointing towards an agriculture economic cycle similar to the pre-pandemic period from 2013 to 2020. In the down cycle of those years,...
26 September, 2024
6 min read
Brownfield Ag News: “Interest rate adjustments expected at challenging time for ag”
The chief economist at Farmer Mac says there should be immediate relief for production credits when the Federal Reserve lowers interest rates. ...
17 September, 2024
Weak Machinery Demand May Be a Farm Income Canary
This year's projected decline in farm incomes has incentivized producers to cut costs, including on farm machinery. Farm machinery manufacturers...
30 August, 2024
5 min read
Farmer Mac Declares Quarterly Dividends on Common and Preferred Stock
WASHINGTON, D.C., August 7, 2024 — The board of directors of the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac) has declared a third quarter...
7 August, 2024
1 min read
Farmer Mac Reports Second Quarter 2024 Results
- Outstanding Business Volume of $28.8 Billion - WASHINGTON, D.C., August 5, 2024 — The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE:...
5 August, 2024
7 min read
Farmer Mac Unveils New Headquarters, Embracing Innovative Workspace Design
WASHINGTON, D.C., August 8, 2024 — The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE: AGM and AGM.A), the nation’s secondary market...
4 August, 2024
1 min read
The Great Refinancing is Over. Can Ag Banks Expect a Rebound?
Long-term interest rates dropped to historically low levels from 2020 through 2022 in the wake of the Federal Reserve broadly loosening monetary...
1 August, 2024
5 min read
Farmer Mac to Announce Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 22, 2024 — The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE: AGM and AGM.A), the nation’s secondary market...
22 July, 2024
1 min read
Risk & Opportunity by the Numbers
There is no doubt that American agriculture is consolidating. Whether driving across the rural areas of America or viewing the recent census data, it...
2 July, 2024
8 min read
Farmer Mac Wins Washington Post Top Workplaces Award
WASHINGTON, D.C., June 21, 2024 — Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE: AGM and AGM.A), the nation’s secondary market provider...
21 June, 2024
1 min read
Farmer Mac to Redeem Outstanding Series C Preferred Stock
WASHINGTON, June 17, 2024 — The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE: AGM and AGM.PRC) has announced that it intends to...
17 June, 2024
2 min read
National Land Podcast: Market Watch 2024: Q2 Land Values
Mac Christian is talking again with Farmer Mac Chief Economist, Jackson Takach to discuss the current state of land as well as our current economic...
17 June, 2024
Temperate Spring Expected to Bring Ample Almonds
U.S. almond producers could harvest a significantly larger crop this fall due in part to favorable weather conditions this spring. The prospects of...
7 June, 2024
4 min read
High Interest Rates: A Double-Edged Sword
U.S. agricultural exports declined in 2023 and are forecast to do so again this year. The broad decline in commodity prices over the past two years...
23 May, 2024
4 min read
Global Views and Disruptors
The fortunes of the agriculture industry often have a relationship with global economic trends as it relates to export markets. To some degree,...
23 May, 2024
6 min read
Farmer Mac Announces Election of Two New Directors
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 16, 2024 – The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE: AGM and AGM.A), the nation's secondary market...
16 May, 2024
2 min read
Farmer Mac Declares Quarterly Dividends, Announces Intent to Redeem Series C Preferred Stock
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 15, 2024 — The board of directors of the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac) has declared a second quarter...
15 May, 2024
2 min read
Interactive Tool: Exploring Farmland Cap Rates
Many real estate investors use the relationship between income and asset price to assess their investments' relative value and returns. Farmland...
10 May, 2024
3 min read
Farmer Mac Reports First Quarter 2024 Results
- Outstanding Business Volume of $28.8 Billion - WASHINGTON, D.C., May 6, 2024 — The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE:...
6 May, 2024
6 min read
Farmer Mac to Announce First Quarter 2024 Financial Results
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 22, 2024 — The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE: AGM and AGM.A), the nation’s secondary market...
22 April, 2024
1 min read
Purdue University: Interest Rate Dilemma – Fixed Or Variable
Purdue Universityby Chad Fiechter and Blaine Nelson Headline interest rates have whipsawed over the past several years, dropping to historically low...
12 April, 2024
2 min read
Farmer Mac Closes $308.1 Million Securitization of Agricultural Mortgage-Backed Securities (AMBS)
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 2, 2024 – The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE: AGM and AGM.A), the nation’s secondary market...
2 April, 2024
2 min read
Cattle Contraction Lifts Cow-Calf Profitability
The U.S. cattle herd shrank for the fifth consecutive year in 2023. Cow-calf producers that endured low prices and drought the past few years are...
22 March, 2024
4 min read
Refinancing: Bridge or Pier?
The current agriculture economic cycle has some similarities to the post-commodity super cycle period from 2007 to 2012. In that era, commodity...
4 March, 2024
6 min read
USDA Projects Lower Farm Incomes in 2024
According to the USDA's February forecast, U.S. farm incomes are projected to drop nearly 25% in 2024. This initial projection highlights the broad...
1 March, 2024
3 min read
Farmer Mac Reports 2023 Results
- Announces 27% Dividend Increase -- Outstanding Business Volume of $28.5 Billion - WASHINGTON, D.C., February 23, 2024 — The Federal Agricultural...
23 February, 2024
8 min read
National Land Podcast: Market Watch 2024: Q1 Land Values
By Mac Christian, National Land Realty In this episode of the National Land Podcast, Jackson Takach joins us to discuss Q1 Land Values. Jackson is...
16 February, 2024
Farmer Mac to Announce Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Results
WASHINGTON, D.C., February 9, 2024 — The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE: AGM and AGM.A), the nation’s secondary market...
9 February, 2024
1 min read
Winds of Change: Renewable Energy Set to Grow in Rural America, Powering New Opportunities
Renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power, is set to play a major role in the future of the U.S. electricity system. While it offers...
1 February, 2024
3 min read
Agri-View: Interest expenses threaten financial health
Agri-ViewBy Bernt Nelson American Farm Bureau Federation Most farms in the United States are small family-owned businesses that rely on the...
24 January, 2024
8 min read
A “Condensed” Milk Expansion May Support Profitability in 2024
Change has lately been the only constant for U.S. dairy prices. The sector saw profitability decrease last year as milk prices dropped and feed...
23 January, 2024
4 min read
ABA Banking Journal: Agricultural lenders’ top concerns for 2024
American Bankers AssociationBy Tyler Mondres Lenders still expect borrower profitability to remain relatively elevated this year. In 2023, the...
12 January, 2024
3 min read
Oklahoma City Educational Special
The American Bankers Association’s 71st Agricultural Bankers Conference was held in Oklahoma City and an informal survey of attendees indicated that...
8 January, 2024
6 min read
Farm Income Forecast Reveals a Mixed Bag
Farm incomes are projected to remain elevated in 2023 after peaking at record levels last year. There are headwinds, though, as producers face lower...
15 December, 2023
3 min read
Land Sales Slow in Response to Higher Rates
Higher interest rates have reduced the number of farmland sales and increased the demand for cash purchases. Transactions have slowed in nearly all...
14 December, 2023
3 min read
Fall Rains Ease Midwest Drought and Replenish Mississippi River
Drought conditions over the Midwest this summer led to lower crop yields and water levels on the Mississippi River. However, ample rainfall in late...
16 November, 2023
3 min read
Farmer Mac Declares Quarterly Dividends on Common and Preferred Stock
WASHINGTON, D.C., November 8, 2023 — The board of directors of the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac) has declared a fourth...
8 November, 2023
1 min read
Farmer Mac Reports Third Quarter 2023 Results
- Outstanding Business Volume of $27.7 Billion - WASHINGTON, D.C., November 6, 2023 — The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac;...
6 November, 2023
6 min read
Farmer Mac and ABA Release Ag Lender Survey Report: Liquidity, Farm Income Top Ag Lender Concerns for Producers in 2023
[ANNOUNCEMENT] OKLAHOMA CITY, November 6, 2023 — Liquidity has become the primary concern among agricultural lenders for their producer customers...
6 November, 2023
3 min read
Farm Income Can Push and Pull on Rural Economies
Farm incomes have an outsized impact on ag-centric rural economies, reflecting the purchasing and investment power of producers, influencing the...
2 November, 2023
2 min read
Farmer Mac to Announce Third Quarter 2023 Financial Results
WASHINGTON, D.C., October 23, 2023 — The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE: AGM and AGM.A), the nation’s secondary market...
23 October, 2023
1 min read
Farmland Value Momentum Losing Steam but Gains Remain
The USDA reported an average gain of 7.4% in average U.S. farm real estate in 2023, a slowdown from the 12.4% gain in 2022. Two years of low interest...
31 August, 2023
3 min read
Two Sides of the Fruit and Vegetable Coin
Amidst the broad success of U.S. agricultural exports, surging imports of fresh fruits and vegetables have helped tilt the U.S. from a net...
31 August, 2023
6 min read
Infinite Almonds
Thousands of newly bearing almond trees over the last decade have boosted U.S. production by hundreds of millions of pounds. Unfortunately, surging...
31 August, 2023
4 min read
Proteins Show Strength
U.S. livestock producers continue to capitalize on the rising global demand for protein. Export growth has allowed producers to expand their...
31 August, 2023
4 min read
Weather Update – A Mixed Bag
A geographic migration of drought conditions from the West Coast to the Western Plains has brought reprieve to some producers and challenges to...
31 August, 2023
3 min read
Exports Drive Dairy Prices Whey Up (and Down)
Strong exports and limited expansion in the dairy sector helped keep inventories in check over the last two years, resulting in relatively high...
31 August, 2023
4 min read
Hero or Zero: U.S. Prospects for Ag Trade With India
India has a growing population and economy, offering an increasingly attractive market for U.S. agricultural producers. The agricultural industry in...
31 August, 2023
6 min read
Crop Exports Down but Not Out
Agricultural exports surged to a new record last year, boosted by developments abroad that lifted demand for U.S. annual crops. The robust export...
31 August, 2023
4 min read
Farmer Mac Declares Quarterly Dividends on Common and Preferred Stock
WASHINGTON, D.C., August 9, 2023 — The board of directors of the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac) has declared a third quarter...
9 August, 2023
1 min read
Farmer Mac Reports Second Quarter 2023 Results
- Outstanding Business Volume of $26.7 Billion - WASHINGTON, D.C., August 7, 2023 — The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac;...
7 August, 2023
6 min read
Farmer Mac to Announce Second Quarter 2023 Financial Results
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 24, 2023 — The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE: AGM and AGM.A), the nation’s secondary market...
24 July, 2023
1 min read
Rising Food Prices Persist
Elevated food prices continue to lift the broader CPI reading. On Wednesday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released updated data on the Consumer...
14 July, 2023
2 min read
Farmer Mac Reports First Quarter 2023 Results
- Outstanding Business Volume of $26.5 Billion - WASHINGTON, D.C., May 9, 2023 — The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE: AGM...
9 May, 2023
6 min read
Brazil's Bin-Busting Harvest Weighing on Commodity Prices
U.S. commodity prices have softened in recent weeks as foreign buyers look to capitalize on Brazil's record corn, wheat, and soybean harvests. ...
5 May, 2023
2 min read
Slowly but Surely, U.S. Power Mix Is Changing
Power production has been transitioning in the U.S. for almost a decade, but the transition has slowed in recent years. And although electricity...
4 May, 2023
3 min read
Fallout From the Russia-Ukraine War: One Year Later
The global economic rebound from COVID-19 was disrupted in February 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine. The invasion sparked a humanitarian crisis and...
4 May, 2023
4 min read
Grains and Oilseeds Supplies Challenged by Big Brazilian Crop
Due to elevated commodity prices, corn, soybean, and wheat returns were record-setting in 2021 and 2022. However, Brazil will likely have a bumper...
4 May, 2023
2 min read
Water, Water (Almost) Everywhere in the Southwest
The epicenter of the Southwest drought shifted over the winter. Several large rain and snow storms have brought a reprieve to the parched state of...
4 May, 2023
5 min read
A Big Step Higher, a Small Step Down for Farm Incomes
Farm incomes are forecast to drop in 2023 after surging to record levels last year. While most agricultural commodity prices remain elevated today,...
4 May, 2023
4 min read
Ag Lending Institution Health in Perspective
Rising interest rates affected many banks’ balance sheets and deposit demand in 2022 and early 2023. Silicon Valley Bank’s failure highlighted the...
4 May, 2023
4 min read
Sweet and Sour: The Two Sides of Food Price Inflation
Elevated inflation remains a hot topic entering the 2023 growing season. For many producers, inflation equated to higher input costs last year but...
4 May, 2023
3 min read
Farmers and Ranchers React to Higher Rates
Agricultural interest rates rose substantially in 2022 and early 2023. Farmers and ranchers can adapt to higher interest rates by stomaching the...
4 May, 2023
4 min read
Tight Labor Market Has Farmers Looking Abroad for Help
Participation in the H-2A visa program has surged among U.S. agricultural producers in recent years. The program provides growers an alternative to...
4 May, 2023
3 min read
Farmer Mac Declares Quarterly Dividends on Common and Preferred Stock
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 3, 2023 — The board of directors of the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac) has declared a second quarter...
3 May, 2023
1 min read
Farmer Mac to Announce First Quarter 2023 Financial Results
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 25, 2023 — The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE: AGM and AGM.A), the nation’s secondary market...
25 April, 2023
1 min read
Indigo Ag and Farmer Mac Announce Joint Program to Reward Farmers for Sustainable Practices
Eligible farmers can receive an interest rate rebate by participating in the new Indigo & Farmer Mac Sustainable Agriculture Incentive Program ...
28 March, 2023
2 min read
Rising Interest Rates: Farmland vs Housing Market?
Housing prices continue to cool following a sharp increase in interest rates. Farmland values could also see pressure if incomes cannot absorb...
9 March, 2023
2 min read
Mad-cow Disease in Brazil
The discovery of Mad-cow disease in Brazil is likely to disrupt the global beef trade. However, a contracting U.S. beef cattle herd means foreign...
2 March, 2023
2 min read
Farmer Mac Reports 2022 Results
- Announces 16% Dividend Increase - - Outstanding Business Volume of $25.9 Billion - WASHINGTON, D.C., February 24, 2023 — The Federal Agricultural...
24 February, 2023
7 min read
Farmer Mac Closes $283.6 Million Securitization of Agricultural Mortgage-Backed Securities (AMBS)
WASHINGTON, D.C., February 23, 2023 – The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE: AGM and AGM.A), the nation’s secondary market...
23 February, 2023
1 min read
Farmer Mac to Announce Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Financial Results
WASHINGTON, D.C., February 9, 2023 — The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE: AGM and AGM.A), the nation’s secondary market...
9 February, 2023
1 min read
Farmer Mac Wins Top Workplaces USA Award
WASHINGTON, D.C., February 8, 2023 — Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE: AGM and AGM.A), the nation’s secondary market...
8 February, 2023
2 min read
Ag Lender Trends & Competition
Financing availability for agricultural, food, and agribusiness borrowers depends on the level of interest rates, the economic outlook, and overall...
4 January, 2023
3 min read
Cattle Prices Buoyed by Lower Herd Size
Cattle inventories declined in 2022 after multiple years of drought conditions and high feed costs. Demand for beef was strong in 2022, helping...
4 January, 2023
2 min read
Weather Outlook: La Niña Year Three
Colder-than-normal conditions are probable in the northern Rockies and upper Midwest over the winter. Drier-than-normal conditions are likely to...
4 January, 2023
2 min read
Dairy Prices Firm in 2022 but Are Waning With Global Demand
U.S. dairy production climbed in 2022, but global demand for dairy products kept prices ahead of the curve. Prices for cheese, butter, and nonfat...
4 January, 2023
2 min read
The Farm Economy in Transition
The USDA forecasts a 27% increase in 2022 Net Cash Farm Income, a common measure of farm profitability. This new record is fueled by higher commodity...
4 January, 2023
5 min read
Grains and Oilseeds Extend Profits Into 2023
Corn, soybean, and wheat returns have been excellent in 2021 and 2022, driven by elevated commodity prices. Operating expenses are starting to catch...
4 January, 2023
3 min read
Inflation and Interest Rates in Focus
Consumer price inflation rocked the U.S. economy in 2022 as the price of nearly everything increased rapidly. Interest rates are inextricably linked...
4 January, 2023
5 min read
Farmland Value Gains in Context
The USDA reported a gain of 12.4% in average U.S. farm real estate in 2022. The increase was supported by a low interest rate environment and...
4 January, 2023
3 min read
Analyst’s Corner: Farmland Debt Leverage Cycles
Farm mortgage debt has experienced three contractionary periods in modern farm finance history. Farmland debt contractions generally coincide with...
4 January, 2023
3 min read
Credit Under Pressure: How a Shifting Agricultural Economy is Reshaping Lending—and Reinforcing Farmer Mac’s Role