By far the biggest lender to U.S. farmers, ranchers and rural businesses is the Farm Credit System, whose four banks and 56 associations hold nearly 50 per cent of all debt in rural America. What’s more, the largest lender within the massive FCS is CoBank. In mid-2024, CoBank reported an “average loan volume” of US$149.9 […] Read more
Tag Archives farm debt
High farm debt ratio in ‘pretty healthy range’
In the last five years the growth in receipts has outpaced the increase in debt due to strong commodity prices
SASKATOON — Canadian farmers have taken on an extra $100 billion in debt over the last 20 years, but they are still in good financial shape, according to an economist. Farmers ended 2023 with $146 billion in outstanding debt. That is up from $47 billion in 2003. It is a big number, but it is […] Read more
Farm debt has room to grow
At the end of 2017, Canadian farm debt topped $100 billion. At the time, it was a bigger number than the national debt of 135 countries, noted Country Guide columnist Gerald Pilger. As of 2022, the most recent year on Statistics Canada’s published record, it reached $138.9 billion. Interest rate increases since early 2022 also […] Read more
Farm balance sheet looks ‘awesome,’ says FCC
WINNIPEG — Most farmers can handle a tight year like this one, says Farm Credit Canada’s chief economist. “On the balance sheet front, things look awesome,” said J.P. Gervais in an interview, referring to Statistics Canada 2022 farm debt and equity numbers. “Asset values have been trending up. Equity has gone up, so that’s good […] Read more
Farm income stats tell interesting stories
Statistics Canada has released reams of information related to farm income for 2021 and 2022. One of the major stories from the stats is how farm expenses have risen faster than farm income. However, combing through the numbers provides other interesting insights. First, it’s tough to be farming in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and […] Read more
Personal finances growing unstable
Recent report says 45 percent of adults in Man. and Sask. are $200 away from being unable to meet financial obligations
The inability of consumers to cover regular bills, buy groceries and service existing debt obligations has become more common in an environment of higher interest rates and inflationary pressure.
Don’t fret, but watch your debt
The top economist at Farm Credit Canada painted a positive picture of Canadian agricultural prospects for 2018, pointing to strong global demand for food, rising Canadian productivity and positive gross domestic product projections in key markets. But he also said Canadian producers should keep a close eye on interest rates, the value of the Canadian […] Read more
FCC confident amid rising farm debt
The picture of farm debt on the ground matches the bigger industry picture and it says Canadian farmers are generally in good financial shape. A new report by Farm Credit Canada suggests producers are doing well despite a softening of all the key financial ratios in 2015. Record farm income and solid asset appreciation have […] Read more
Canadian farm debt grows
Canadian agriculture remains in good financial shape despite a softening of all the key financial ratios in 2015, says Farm Credit Canada. Record farm income and solid asset appreciation have bolstered farm finances but 2015 was the first year in a long time that some of the key financial ratios weakened slightly. “Canadian agriculture continues […] Read more
Record debt threatens farming in West
For the 23rd consecutive year, Canadian farm debt has hit a new record. In the West, the debt load is particularly severe, raising questions about the future of this vital industry. Farmers in British Columbia are faring best, with $6 billion in debt. Manitoba and Saskatchewan are middle of the road, with more than $8 […] Read more
