Seminar series brings farm economy into focus for ag lenders

COLUMBIA, Mo. — When markets move, costs change or land values shift, agricultural lenders need context to understand what comes next and how those changes could affect their agricultural clientele. University of Missouri Extension’s 2026 Agricultural Lenders Seminar series is designed to strengthen that knowledge and help lenders make informed decisions.

The seminar series will provide lenders with timely economic information and tools to evaluate farm profitability, assess lending risks and advise the farmers, ranchers and entrepreneurs they serve, said Ben Brown, MU Extension agricultural economist and seminar coordinator.

“Our series is designed to help financial service providers understand the challenges and opportunities their clients face,” Brown said. “We combine statewide economic insights with topics of regional interest to help lenders understand the forces impacting their clients’ businesses.”

Each seminar will examine market movement and price volatility for Missouri commodities; updated budgets for major crop, livestock and specialty enterprises; and current trends in land values and cash rental rates across the state. Regional sessions will also address issues affecting agricultural businesses in the area, helping lenders connect broader economic conditions with the realities facing their clientele.

Seminars will be held in five locations across Missouri, all beginning at 9 a.m.:

• Nov. 3, Jefferson City. Regional topics: value-added agriculture and forestry economics.
• Nov. 18, Chillicothe. Regional topics: pork industry updates and emergency preparedness.
• Nov. 20, Jackson. Regional topics: climate outlook and virtual fencing.
• Nov. 24, Mexico. Regional topics: agricultural policy updates and farm labor.
• Dec. 2, Bolivar. Regional topics: poultry industry updates and fertilizer management.

The value of the series extends beyond the in-person seminars, Brown said. Evaluation data shows 100% of participants agree the seminars help them better serve or advise their agricultural clients. Previous attendees have described the series as the most productive meeting they attend all year, with some professionals returning for more than 40 years, he said.

Registration includes program materials, the latest enterprise budget booklet and lunch. Registrants also receive exclusive access to spring webinars that can be shared with clients.

Details and registration. For questions, contact Ben Brown at bpbrown@missouri.edu or 660-492-7574.

The Agricultural Lenders Seminar series is presented in partnership with the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute and the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center.