A majority of ag lenders—69.7%—reported that overall farm profitability increased in the prior year, due in large part to government support, which is estimated to account for 38% of ag borrowers’ net income, according to the 2021 Agricultural Lenders Survey conducted by ABA and Farmer Mac.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency announced plans to expand refinance programs introduced last spring for low- to moderate-income borrowers.
ABA today announced the recipients of its Bruning and Blanchfield Awards, the association’s premier awards presented for contributions to ag banking.
In 2020, local business conditions were top of mind for community bankers. This year, the lingering effect of COVID-19 on local economies has created a new concern: historic levels of deposits and narrow net interest margins.
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.