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
Loan Performance Stays Strong as Farm Debt Grows
Farm debt balances at commercial banks grew steadily in the third quarter but loan performance remained strong.
Credit Conditions Strong but Softening
Farm income and credit conditions softened in the third quarter alongside a moderation in the farm economy.
Credit Conditions Soften with Farm Economy
Farm income and loan repayment rates were lower than a year ago for the second quarter in a row.
Third Quarter 2023 Ag Bulletin
The U.S. agricultural economy softened in the third quarter alongside a drop in commodity prices.
Smaller Operating Loans Slow Lending Activity
Farm lending activity at commercial banks slowed further in the third quarter alongside a drop in operating loan volumes.
Labor Constraints and Strong Demand Are Driving Robust Food Services Inflation
Although headline inflation has slowed in recent months, inflation for core services has remained elevated since the first...
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 Symposium
The Kansas City Fed's Agricultural Symposium explores topics of current and emerging significance to 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
2022 Agricultural Symposium: Help Wanted in Agriculture
The 2022 Agricultural Symposium explored the role of labor in determining the long-term outlook for agriculture.