Farm Credit System Update: Resilient Performance Amid Economic Uncertainty

The April 2025 Quarterly Report on Economic Conditions and Farm Credit System Performance shows a resilient U.S. ag economy entering the year with improving macro indicators, despite growing uncertainty in trade and regional volatility in returns.

๐Ÿ”น Farm Income & Credit Health

  • U.S. net farm income is projected to rise in 2025, aided by increased government payments.

  • Farm balance sheets remain strong, with assets at $4.8 trillion and continued capital growth in the Farm Credit System.

  • Liquidity levels and solvency ratios remain solid, offering flexibility amid inflation and elevated interest rates.

๐Ÿ”น Swine Sector Insight

  • Loans to the hog sector accounted for 2.0% of the System’s total portfolio in 2024, totaling $8.4 billion, down 2.7% year-over-year, showing the ongoing challenges facing pork producers.

  • The broader animal production portfolio, including dairy (5.7%) and poultry (2.4%), saw growth of 6.4% overall.

๐Ÿ”น Risks to Monitor in 2025

  • Trade policy shifts, persistent high interest rates, stress in grain markets, and foreign animal disease threats like avian influenza are key factors being closely tracked.

๐Ÿ”น Overall System Performance

  • Total FCS loan volume reached $428.9 billion, with strong earnings of $7.8 billion in 2024, up from $7.4B the year prior.

  • Over 96% of System institutions are rated financially sound (FIRS 1 or 2), signaling continued creditworthiness and stability.

๐Ÿ“„ Read the Full Report (PDF):
๐Ÿ‘‰ Download the April 2025 Farm Credit System Report