This edition of Farm Credit Watch examines multiple issues, including the Farm Credit Service’s debt rating, possible Senate and House and banking and financial services committee oversight of FCA’s capital rules, and how FCA’s board should consider issuing written reports as well as releasing video recordings following its monthly meetings.
By volunteering as advisers mentors with FFA or 4-H, agricultural bankers build financial capability and strengthen the next generation of ag producers.
Sens. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) today introduced S. 2202, the American Bankers Association-backed Enhancing Credit Opportunities in Rural America Act of 2021, which would end the taxation of interest earned from agricultural real estate loans.
The Farm Credit Administration has proposed a potentially dangerous relaxation of its regulation governing the appraisal procedures FCS institutions rely on in making lending decisions.
Farmers, ranchers and producers across the country have stood strong during a year of extreme economic disruption and tumult. America needs them to sustain agriculture, and they need all of the support they can get. At this time, in particular, withholding any would be irresponsible. Reps. Ron Kind (D-Wis.) and Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) introduced the Enhancing Credit Opportunities in Rural America (ECORA) Act of 2021 in the House of Representatives, bringing it a step closer to law.
U.S. banks extended $174 billion in farm loans in 2020, of which $98.5 billion came from farm banks that specialize in the ag space.
ABA supports bipartisan New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act. “By making NMTC permanent, our nation’s small businesses, investors and community development professionals will have access to the vital resources needed to improve our nation’s communities while generating long-term economic growth,” ABA said.
The American Bankers Association today submitted a letter of support for H.R. 2561, the Promoting Access to Capital in Underbanked Communities Act of 2021, which would establish a three-year phase-in period for new banks to comply with federal capital standards, among other provisions designed to promote de novo banking.
To help expand access to banking services and promote financial inclusion, Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.) last week introduced H.R. 2561, the Promoting Access to Capital in Underbanked Communities Act of 2021, which would establish a three-year phase-in period for new banks to comply with federal capital standards, among other provisions designed to promote de novo formation.
Though the goals for passing of the reintroduced Enhancing Credit Opportunities in Rural America Act of 2021, commonly known as ECORA, haven’t changed much over the last few years, this Congress may have a better shot at leveling the playing field between farm banks and Farm Credit System lenders, ultimately giving struggling farmers and ranchers greater access to affordable credit options. ABA SVP Ed Elfmann details the importance of ECORA’s passage.