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 Operating Debt Surges in Early 2024
Farm debt at commercial banks continued to grow, boosted by a large increase in farm operating debt.
Farmland Growth Moderates as Credit Conditions Tighten
Growth in farm real estate values slowed alongside slightly tighter credit conditions and steady interest rates.
First Quarter Ag Bulletin
The U.S. farm economy remained steady despite a slight tightening in agricultural credit conditions and subdued commodity prices.
Thinner Crop Profits and Tighter Credit Conditions
Farm incomes retracted at a sharp pace, farm loan repayment rates declined and loan demand rose in the first quarter.
Operating Loans Boost Lending Activity
Non-real estate farm lending activity at commercial banks picked up slightly in the first quarter of 2024.
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.
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.