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 Pullback Continues
Agricultural debt at commercial banks eased further at the end of 2020, and loan repayment problems moderated slightly.
Ag Bankers Signal Strong Recovery in Farm Finance
Farm income and ag credit conditions improved significantly according to ag lenders across major portions of the U.S. in Q4.
Farm Economy Rebounds Sharply
Prospects for farm income and agricultural credit conditions rebounded sharply in the fourth quarter of 2020.
Fourth Quarter 2020 Ag Bulletin
Economic conditions in U.S. agriculture improved dramatically in the fourth quarter of 2020.
Fewer New Loans to Farmers
Fewer new loans to farmers continued to drive a pullback in agricultural lending activity.
Ag Banks Trim Farm Lending
Farm loans outstanding at commercial banks declined in the third quarter and non-performing loans edged slightly higher.
Drought Risk to the Agriculture Sector
Losses from extreme drought represent an economically relevant share of crop production values and may increase in coming decades.
Farm Financial Outlook Improves
The outlook for ag credit conditions in the Tenth District improved in the third quarter.
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
2021 Agricultural Symposium: The Roots of Agricultural Productivity Growth
The 2021 Agricultural Symposium will explore the key drivers of the persistent growth in agricultural productivity, linkages to other industries, and environmental considerations.
This year's Agricultural Symposium will take place virtually May 24-25.
Mark your calendar and watch for registration information soon.