federal reserve

Fed: Farm Economy Steady to Weakening
Fed: Farm Economy Steady to Weakening
Fed: Farm Economy Steady to Weakening
While the farm economy seems to have stabilized in the Midwest and Northern Plains, it weakened in the rest of the U.S. this fall.  Producers are dealing with high costs and lower commodity prices.  According to the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book, “Agricultural activity was flat to down modestly, with some crop prices remaining unprofitably low.”   For the 12th district...
Oil Prices Move Higher On Interest Rate Cut
Oil Prices Move Higher On Interest Rate Cut
Oil Prices Move Higher On Interest Rate Cut
The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a half a point last week, which was a little larger than some economists had expected.  With that reduction, oil prices moved higher in trade, spending much of the past week in the mid $70 per barrel range.  Pa...
Limited Ag Credit Stress, But Signs of Pressure
Limited Ag Credit Stress, But Signs of Pressure
Limited Ag Credit Stress, But Signs of Pressure
Ag credit stress was limited in the second quarter of 2024 but showed signs of tightening amid lower crop prices and rising input costs.  Those are the findings from a survey by the Federal Reserve Bank in Kansas City.  Farm income in the Tenth Federal Reserve District dropped faster than in recent quarters amid lower crop prices and increased expenses.   “Despite s...
Farm Economist Expects Fed To Raise Rates Again In March
Farm Economist Expects Fed To Raise Rates Again In March
Farm Economist Expects Fed To Raise Rates Again In March
Creighton University’s most recent monthly Rural Mainstreet Index Survey, was primarily sideways, that according to survey organizer Ernie Goss.  He noted the Federal Reserve raising interest rates has cooled economic activity, but not as much as the Fed Reserve would like.  Goss anticipa...
Is Inflation Cooling Down?
Is Inflation Cooling Down?
Is Inflation Cooling Down?
Inflation is hitting everyone with higher prices.  Whether groceries to gas and farm machinery, the impact of inflation is widespread.  AARP’s Sean Voskuhl said for seniors, some inflation relief could be coming through social security next year.   “Many experts pr...
High Interest Rates Expected To Stick Around For Another Year+
High Interest Rates Expected To Stick Around For Another Year+
High Interest Rates Expected To Stick Around For Another Year+
The top economist for the American Farm Bureau predicts fuel and fertilizer prices will stay high the next couple of years as commodity prices further squeeze farm margins.  Roger Cryan said input inflation spurring higher interest rates will make farming more expensive, and may stick around into 2024. “...

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