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

Ag Finance Update

Growth in farm debt eases but continues to pressure ag bank liquidity

Growth in agricultural production loans slowed from earlier in the year but remained strong.

Agriculture | Ag Finance Update | Commercial Bank Call Report
Ag Bulletin

Third Quarter Ag Bulletin

Recent strength in the U.S. ag economy was tempered in the second quarter as farm finances showed some signs of weakening.

Agriculture | Ag Bulletin
Ag Finance Update

Slowdown in Farm Economy Continues

Agricultural credit conditions continued to decline amid a broader slowdown in the farm economy.

Agriculture | Ag Finance Update | Federal Reserve Ag Credit Surveys
Ag Credit Survey

Credit Conditions Tighten Gradually

Agricultural credit conditions in the Tenth District continued to deteriorate at a gradual pace in the third quarter.

Agriculture | Ag Credit Survey
Ag Finance Update

Large Operating Loans Continue to Drive Growth in Farm Lending Activity

The volume of new operating loans at commercial banks increased over 40% from last year, following annual growth of about 20%...

Ag Finance Update | Agriculture | National Survey of Terms of Lending to Farmers
Economic Bulletin

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...

Agriculture | Energy | Natural Resources and Environment
Economic Review

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.

Agriculture | Economic Review | Natural Resources and Environment
Economic Bulletin

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...

Agriculture | Economic Bulletin
Economic Bulletin

Interest Expenses on Farmland Debt Could Challenge Farm Profitability

Crop producers with high levels of land debt may struggle to be profitable under higher interest expenses.

Agriculture | Banking and Finance | Economic Bulletin