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Farm financial strain creates “unsettled” outlook for ag lending

Farm financial pressures are affecting ag lending.

Dinese Watson is with Merchants Bank of Indiana.

“To kind of sum it up maybe in a word, I would think the industry is somewhat ‘unsettled’ right now. And I think that it’s been more of an unsettled-type renewal season than probably what we’ve seen in several years.”

She tells Brownfield 2026 is shaping up to be another year of narrow margins, but reminds growers agriculture is cyclical.

“That’s just a part of our business, but I also feel like our farmers are very resourceful. And in the end, the industry itself is usually very positive and they find ways to be resilient and work through issues.”

Watson says even as planting activity picks up, it’s good for farmers to keep in touch with their lenders to discuss short and long-term goals.