WNAX radio visited with three different bankers to determine their thoughts about the agriculture economy.  Here are those three interviews.

As farmers wrap up this year’s harvest, they are already beginning to look ahead for the next crop season.  However, the economic climate for agriculture is different heading into 2023.  Many farmers within the region suffered yield reductions due to the ongoing drought, they are facing high input costs for fuel, fertilizer, seed, and crop protection products, and on top of that, interest rates are rising.  Dan Poppe is a Senior Vice President and Ag Loan Officer with Elkhorn Valley Bank and Trust headquartered in Norfolk, Nebraska.  He says he is telling his farmer clients to remain optimistic and to be in constant communication with their lender.

Land values and cash rental rates are increasing, along with both new and used equipment, but Poppe says farmers are still interested in upgrading and expanding their farming operation if the numbers add up.

Poppe was asked if economic conditions could burst sending ag agriculture into a recession crisis like what had occurred in the 1980″s.