Recently the Senate Ag Committee held a hearing looking at the importance of farm credit. Minnesota Farm Bureau President Kevin Paap says farm credit is becoming even more important given the recent downturn in the farm economy.

Farm Service Agency officials are reporting there’s been a 21 percent increase in the number of farm loans already this year. Paap says that’s another indication of then need for farm credit availability although he says it’s always needed.

Paap says there are steps Congress can take to help bolster the farm credit system. He says loans need to be available seasonally and the federal crop insurance program needs to be well funded.

Paap says it’s critical that farm credit be bolstered whether it’s through FSA, Crop Insurance or lending institutions.