Center for Agriculture and the Economy
Leveraging expertise from the Kansas City Fed, the Center provides timely analysis of industry developments and conducts ongoing research on the agricultural economy.
Developments in agriculture and food sectors throughout the U.S. are captured in the Beige Book
The Beige Book is published eight times per year to provide anecdotal commentary about sector specific conditions in each Federal Reserve District. Information is collected by Federal Reserve staff through surveys and outreach with key business contacts, economists, market experts, and other sources. Developments across the agricultural supply chain are regularly incorporated. A sample of commentary from the most recent report is highlighted below. The full report and archives are External Linkavailable here.
![A map displaying Beige Book commentary from Federal Reserve Districts. From west to east: “Costs for growers and producers continued to increase, including for labor, materials, and financing.” “…strong cattle prices continued to support conditions in some areas” “Looking ahead, the farm outlook is challenged by dry soil conditions and sub-profitable crop prices.” “Despite strong harvests, agricultural conditions remained weak.” “Contacts reported highly variable financial performances by farms, with some experiencing steep losses and others making modest profits.” “A farmer in Mississippi reported that farmers are storing their crops and waiting for market movement.” “…fine dining sales moderated as patrons traded down, and quick service restaurants saw a notable decline in sales, including on-demand food delivery orders.” “Loaded exports were a bright spot [for ports], however, driven by ag products like grain coming by rail from Virginia and Midwest states…” “Grocery store prices rose at a moderate pace amid cost pressures on food commodities [beef, coffee, and cocoa].”](https://www.kansascityfed.org/images/Ag_Beige_Book_Map.width-725.svg)
Research and Information
Ag Finance Updates
Read articles summarizing recent national developments in agricultural finance and lending.
Ag Bulletin
Review the latest Ag Bulletin for a summary of national ag conditions.
Ag Credit Survey
The quarterly Ag Credit Survey provides current indicators of the financial performance of Tenth District agriculture.
Ag Research Hub
Find all of the Kansas City Fed's research and resources on agriculture and related topics.
System Resources
Find links to research and resources on agriculture and rural topics from throughout the Federal Reserve System.
Latest Research and Updates
Agriculture
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Firm-Level Pass-Through of Supply Chain Disruptions: Insights from the U.S. Beef Market | -
Omaha Branch holds Economic Forum | -
Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City Launches Center for Agriculture and the Economy | -
Biofuel Policies Are Likely to Drive Future Demand for U.S. Corn and Soybeans | -
Food and Agriculture Economic Summit Highlights Factors Influencing Investment in Food Production and Distribution | -
Ag Summit highlights food production and distribution trends |
Agricultural Finance
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Credit Conditions Tighten Gradually | -
Disparate Conditions in Crop and Livestock Sectors Evident in Credit Conditions | -
Larger Operating and Livestock Loans Drive Farm Lending Demand | -
Farm Debt at Agricultural Banks Continues to Build | -
Weakness in Crop Sector Weighs Further on Farm Finances | -
Farm Financial Conditions Continue to Deteriorate |
Presentations
- Update on the U.S. Agricultural Economy |
- Outlook for the U.S. and U.S. Agriculture |
- Farm Economy and Financial Outlook |
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Remarks on the Outlook and Monetary Policy | - Economic Outlook for U.S. Agriculture - May |
- Economic Outlook for U.S. Agriculture |
The Kansas City Fed's Continuing Commitment to Agriculture
Through regular surveys, analysis and connections across the industry, the Kansas City Fed has had a longstanding focus on U.S. and global agriculture. Leveraging this expertise, the Center for Agriculture and the Economy serves as a resource within the Federal Reserve System by providing timely analysis of industry developments and conducting ongoing research on the agricultural economy. 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.
The Kansas City Fed's Ag Connection
Agriculture is central to the Kansas City Fed’s 10th District’s economy, from farm production and food manufacturing to agricultural banking and finance. Through its regular surveys, analysis and connections across the industry, the Kansas City Fed has had a longstanding focus on the U.S. and global agricultural economy. At the same time, connecting with stakeholders and ag industry professionals through events, round tables and conversations is critical to the Bank’s work.