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Industry Insights
Industry Insights
Industry insights
AgWest Farm Credit’s industry research team covers the state of major agricultural commodities in Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. The market updates are based on various sources, and include boots-on-the-ground insights from AgWest’s own lending, appraisal and crop insurance teams across the West. For industry specific information, news and upcoming events, check out our industry pages below.
August update
Producers' sentiment improves, while liquidity pressures remain.
Farmer sentiment improved modestly in July, according to the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer, driven primarily by stronger returns for Midwest producers. However, commodity prices for most Western producers remain persistently low and continue to pressure farm profitability. Producer confidence remains subdued, with fewer than 13% of surveyed farmers reporting they are better off financially than a year ago and only one in four expecting their operation to be in a better financial position a year from now. As a result, working capital reserves continue to erode for many operations, particularly in sectors facing multiple years of weak commodity prices, increasing reliance on borrowing and limiting financial flexibility.
Monthly Spotlight
Recent Posts
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
by AgWest Farm Credit
Water is becoming a managed production input shaping farm planning across the West.
Read moreEconomic Update
Recent Posts
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
by AgWest Farm Credit
Monthly economic trends and major industry headlines.
Read moreDrought Report
Recent Posts
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Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Drought and water update - August 2026
by AgWest Farm Credit
Drought conditions worsened across the West, largely due to warmer-than-normal temperatures dominating March and April.
Read moreLand Values
Recent Posts
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
by AgWest Farm Credit
Land values across the West show mixed trends. Some regions report stable or slightly increasing values due to a limited supply of quality properties offered for sale, while certain portions of AgWest’s territory show land value declines.
Read morePrevious market update reports
Recent Posts
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Quarterly Economic Update: July 2026
by AgWest Farm Credit
Geopolitical turmoil and higher energy prices are keeping inflation sticky and interest rates higher for longer, raising risks to growth.
Read more
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Profitability report - June 2026
by AgWest Farm Credit
AgWest conducts a profitability analysis of its core industries every quarter by surveying its lending staff and having discussions with industry experts.
Read more