Results of Kansas City Federal Bank’s most recent survey of farm lenders shows that interest rates on farm loans have continued to inch higher. At the same time, the first quarter 2018 Agricultural Finance Monitor published by the St. Louis Fed indicates that farm income slipped for the 17th consecutive quarter.
It’s not getting any easier for farmers to borrow funds for ongoing operations, let alone ag equipment. Farm lenders are taking a much closer look at crop producers’ loan status as concerns about repayment are starting to grow.
If 2013 farm production costs rise at the rates seen last year, U.S. farmers will need to take on more debt, which could curb spending on farm equipment in 2014.
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Precision ag pioneer Al Myers is a member of the Farm Equipment Shortline Legends Hall of Fame 2024 class. It’s been almost 35 years since the Ag Leader founder introduced the groundbreaking Yield Monitor 2000.