banking

When it comes to the first two quarters of 2023, what is the expectation of the farm economy from the banker’s perspective?  That was one of many questions the 2022 Ag Lender Survey, produced by the American Bankers Association and Farmer Mac, looked to answer.  Jackson Takac...

USDA's Rural Development is larger than you might think. Deputy Undersecretary for Rural Development, Justin Maxson said the agency has roughly $243 billion in assets, making them the 13th largest bank in the country. "We are primarily an infrastructure bank that provides affordable and risk tolerant financing that allows communities to build the foundations of a strong economy ...

Audrey Godfrey, Idaho's 2020-2021 Treasure, says production Ag is not the only way the next generation can help the farming industry. She says help is needed in a variety of places. If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekmedia... Read More ...

Consolidation has been a big topic in agriculture during the last several years, primarily as it relates to some of the largest businesses in the Ag sector. However, some of the community banks that lend money directly to farmers have begun to consolidate their businesses too ...

Whether you’re a business or a household, the pandemic has been a trying and difficult time for many financially. And with a host of new programs and options to help you through these challenging times, it’s enough to make your head swim. Andy Stir ...

Late last month, the USDA announced its hemp program, which allows the sector to move forward.  According American Farm Bureau Federation Congressional Relations Director Scott Bennett, the interim final rule creates much needed standards for production, testing and licensing.  ...

Earlier this week, the House of Representative passed a bill allowing banks to work with the cannabis industry.  Known as the SAFE Banking Act, the Secure and Fair Enforcement Act of 2019 passed 321 to 103.  However, with a mostly party-line vote in the Democrat-led chamber, the legislation faces an uncertain future in the Republican-led Senate.   ...

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell told senators last week that banks remain in good shape to continue lending to farmers and ranchers. That’s despite deteriorating conditions across the agricultural economy.   “Our farm belt banks have a lot of experience in dealing with the issues farmers are confronting right now,” Powell said during a Senate Banking Committee hearing. “As a whole, the agri...

President Trump’s trade war seems to be pushing the rural economy closer and closer to a meltdown.  According to Politico, economic challenges in agriculture are weighing heavier on banks that lend to farmers and ranchers.  Farmers are getting slammed on all sides by retaliatory tariffs, unusually bad weather, as well as a five-year drop in farm incomes.   Iowa c...

Farm credit lenders say the partial government shutdown is adding to their concerns over the general down state of the farm economy.  Farm Credit Council leaders are pleased Secretary Perdue has brought back some 2,500 FSA county staffers to help producers with existing loans and tax documents, through Tuesday.  Ho...