Weather
Locations
Careers
Login
-
Local food producers respond with ingenuity
September 1, 2021 by By Stacy Baker, Senior Marketing AdvisorIn the face of unprecedented challenges, Front Porch Farm exemplifies resilience and creativity, adapting operations to meet community needs with innovative solutions.Full story -
Bridging generations: learning and growing together
October 1, 2025 by By Stacy Baker, Senior Marketing AdvisorFor many farmers and ranchers, the future of their operations is evolving as the next generation explores opportunities beyond the family business. The story of the Verlanic family in Montana stands out as a unique and inspiring exception.Full story -
Quarterly Economic Update: October 2025
October 7, 2025 by AgWest Farm CreditThe U.S. economy continues to navigate policy changes, trade uncertainty, and evolving monetary policy.Full story -
Fertilizer prices
October 8, 2025 by AgWest Farm CreditThe agriculture sector is grappling with the persistent challenge of fertilizer price volatility. While prices have not returned to the record highs of 2022, they remain elevated and unpredictable.Full story -
Interest rate trends
September 10, 2025 by AgWest Farm CreditMany expect the Federal Reserve (Fed) to cut interest rates later this year and in 2026, which is likely to be more impactful on short-term rates than long-term rates. This Spotlight sheds light on the interest rate dynamics at play.Full story -
Profitability report - September 2025
September 10, 2025 by AgWest Farm CreditAgWest conducts a profitability analysis of its core industries every quarter by surveying its lending staff and having discussions with industry experts.Full story -
Foreign land ownership in the western U.S.
August 13, 2025 by AgWest Farm CreditForeign ownership of agricultural land in the U.S. has been growing, now covering about 45 million acres nationwide, or 3.5% of all privately held agricultural land.Full story -
Land values - August 2025
August 13, 2025 by AgWest Farm CreditThe last six months have seen a continuation of land value trends across the West. Land values are generally stable; however, declines have been observed in parts of California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.Full story -
Drought and water update - August 2025
August 13, 2025 by AgWest Farm CreditDrought conditions deteriorated for much of the West over the last three months. Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington experienced a significant rise in severe (D2) to exceptional (D3) drought conditions.Full story -
Quarterly Economic Update: July 2025
July 11, 2025 by AgWest Farm CreditThe threat and application of tariffs, conflict in the Middle East, progress on a spending bill in Congress and stable policy by the Federal Reserve drove economic conditions in Q2 2025.Full story -
A brief dive into oil markets
July 11, 2025 by AgWest Farm CreditRecent crude oil price trends reflect an imbalance of supply and demand, volatile geopolitical dynamics and restrictive trade policies. This spotlight provides a brief update on crude oil market drivers.Full story -
Building bridges from farms to tables
June 27, 2025 by Jennifer Hammarin, Senior Communications AdvisorWestern Montana Growers Cooperative is a driving force in strengthening local food systems, supporting farmers and rural communities, and ensuring more people can access healthy, local food.Full story -
Making strides together with Best STEP Forward
June 27, 2025 by Stacy Baker, Senior Marketing AdvisorBest S.T.E.P. Forward is a remarkable source of empowerment and growth for children with special needs and their families in Imperial Valley, California.Full story -
The cooperative journey of agriculture and conservation
June 27, 2025 by Sarah Kearbey, Freelance WriterSouth of Yuba City, California, Montna Farms is one of the nation’s largest rice operations, led by chairman and CEO Nicole Van Vleck, who says cooperation and conservation is vital to their success.Full story -
States respond to tariffs
June 18, 2025 by AgWest Farm CreditThis update explores developments surrounding tariffs in May, highlighting changes in state actions and shifting perspectives among producers.Full story -
Profitability report - June 2025
June 18, 2025 by AgWest Farm CreditAgWest conducts a profitability analysis of its core industries every quarter by surveying its lending staff and having discussions with industry experts.Full story -
From dreams to vineyards
May 30, 2025 by Jennifer Hammarin, Senior Communications AdvisorOn an 84-acre parcel in the hills on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, Shahnnen and Alex are building more than just a vineyard—they're creating a legacy.Full story -
Drought and water update - May 2025
May 14, 2025 by AgWest Farm CreditCoastal Washington experienced a slight improvement, while Extreme and Exceptional Drought expanded in portions of the Southwest.Full story -
U.S. tariffs and the potential impact on agriculture
May 14, 2025 by AgWest Farm CreditTariffs and the subsequent retaliatory actions taken by other countries can be impactful to U.S. agriculture. Industries with a greater share of production going into export markets are more exposed to escalating trade tensions.Full story -
Quarterly Economic Update: April 2025
April 9, 2025 by AgWest Farm CreditDespite recent equity market corrections, consumer behavior remains strong, supported by low unemployment and rising wages.Full story
Return to Industry Insights home page
IN THIS SECTION
.jpg?sfvrsn=68087301_1 "My project-1 (26)")
Economic headlines, data and trends
Monthly economic trends, data and major industry headlines.
Learn more