Agriculture and the Economy
The Kansas City Fed is a leader on topics related to the agricultural economy within the Federal Reserve System. Our work provides insights on agricultural and rural economies for our seven-state region of the Tenth Federal Reserve District and nationally.
Latest Updates
Farm Lending Increases Alongside Larger Operating Loans
Strong growth in farm lending activity at commercial banks continued into the first quarter of 2025.
Farm Debt at Ag Banks Climbed in 2024
Farm debt at agricultural banks grew considerably in 2024 and delinquency rates increased from historic lows.
Farm Real Estate Values were Steady in 2024
Agricultural real estate values in the Midwest and plains states were flat through the end of 2024.
Fourth Quarter Ag Bulletin
Economic conditions in agriculture were subdued through the end of 2024 alongside weak crop prices.
Farmland Values Flattened Amid Modest Deterioration in Credit Conditions
Agricultural real estate values in the Kansas City Federal Reserve District were flat through the end of 2024 and credit...
The Passthrough of Agricultural Commodity Prices to Food Prices
Agricultural commodities prices have had a small and uncertain effect on changes in food prices at least since 2008.
Agricultural Economic Summit Highlights Growing Connection Between Agriculture and Energy
The agriculture and energy sectors have become more tightly connected as renewable energy increases demand for input crops and...
The Expanding Role of Renewable Fuel Policy as a Demand Driver in Agriculture
Recent renewable energy policies may lead to higher but more volatile prices for soybeans and other oilseed crops.
Not Bullish: U.S. Cattle Herds Hung Up on Higher Interest Expenses
Cattle inventories declined to historically low levels at the start of 2024. Cattle producers may face challenges maintaining...
Resources on the Ag Economy
Ag Finance Updates
Find articles summarizing recent developments in agricultural finance and lending.
Ag Credit Survey
The quarterly Ag Credit Survey provides current indicators of the financial performance of Tenth District agriculture.
Ag Outlooks
Review the latest Ag Bulletin for a summary of ag conditions and additional outlook articles on the ag economy.
Kansas City Fed Research
Find recent monetary policy, payments system and regional and community research from the Kansas City Fed.
Our Connection to Agriculture
The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City has a long history of focus on the U.S. and global agricultural economy. The Tenth Federal Reserve District, which includes Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Wyoming, northern New Mexico and western Missouri, is strongly connected to agriculture, from farm production and food manufacturing to agricultural banking and finance. Because the industry is vital to the region we serve, the Kansas City Fed is committed to understanding developments in the agricultural economy and gathering perspectives from rural America in order to include them in discussions on the national economy.
Recent Research
Ag Finance Updates
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Farm Lending Increases Alongside Larger Operating Loans | -
Farm Debt at Ag Banks Climbed in 2024 | -
Farm Real Estate Values were Steady in 2024 | -
Farm Lending Grew Sharply to End 2024 | -
Growth in farm debt eases but continues to pressure ag bank liquidity | -
Slowdown in Farm Economy Continues |
Ag Credit Survey
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Farm Debt Accumulating | -
Farm Sector Slowdown Intensifies | -
Agriculture in the Tenth District Feels Initial Effects of Pandemic | -
Regional Farm Sector Stress Intensifies |
Recent Speeches
- Economic Outlook for U.S. Agriculture |
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Agriculture and the Federal Reserve | - Agriculture and the Federal Reserve |
- Update on Agricultural Credit Conditions |
- Financial Outlook for U.S. Agriculture |
- Macroeconomy and Agriculture in Perspective |