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
Subdued Farm Economy Begins Weighing on Credit Conditions
Agricultural credit conditions continued to tighten in the second quarter and growth in farmland values slowed.
Second 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.
Early Signs of Financial Pressure
Agricultural credit conditions in the Tenth Federal Reserve District tightened further in the second quarter of 2024.
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...
Farm Lending Activity Grows Swiftly
The volume of new operating loans increased 20% from a year ago, which followed a year-over-year increase of 12% last quarter.
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.
Farm Operating Debt Surges in Early 2024
Farm debt at commercial banks continued to grow, boosted by a large increase in farm operating debt.
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...
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.
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.