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 Grew Sharply to End 2024
Strong growth in farm lending activity at commercial banks continued into the fourth quarter of 2024.
The Passthrough of Agricultural Commodity Prices to Food Prices
Agricultural commodities prices have had a small and uncertain effect on changes in food prices at least since 2008.
Growth in farm debt eases but continues to pressure ag bank liquidity
Growth in agricultural production loans slowed from earlier in the year but remained strong.
Third 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.
Slowdown in Farm Economy Continues
Agricultural credit conditions continued to decline amid a broader slowdown in the farm economy.
Credit Conditions Tighten Gradually
Agricultural credit conditions in the Tenth District continued to deteriorate at a gradual pace in the third quarter.
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...
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.
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...
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
Ag Finance Updates
-
Farm Lending Grew Sharply to End 2024 | -
Growth in farm debt eases but continues to pressure ag bank liquidity | -
Slowdown in Farm Economy Continues | -
Large Operating Loans Continue to Drive Growth in Farm Lending Activity | -
Farm debt continues to rise, but delinquencies remain low | -
Subdued Farm Economy Begins Weighing on Credit Conditions |
Ag Credit Survey
-
Farm Debt Accumulating | -
Farm Sector Slowdown Intensifies | -
Agriculture in the Tenth District Feels Initial Effects of Pandemic | -
Regional Farm Sector Stress Intensifies |