The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City reports that farm lending has stabilized but risks remain. The report shows risk ratings on new farm loans have increased somewhat, interest rates have edged higher and the loan to deposit ratio has also increased. Nebraska Farm Bureau Senior Economist Jay Rempe says the report is indicative of what’s happening with his state’s ag economy.
Rempe says most of Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers are hanging in there but many are facing difficulties with short term working capital.
He recommends producers look closely at their operations and see where they can cut expenses.
Rempe says the one bright spot is that prices for feeder cattle and calves are up quite a bit over last year.
