McLEAN, Va., Sept. 8, 2022 — At its monthly meeting today, the Farm Credit Administration board received a quarterly report (PDF) on economic issues affecting agriculture, together with an update on the financial condition and performance of the Farm Credit System (System) as of June 30.

The U.S. economy continues to face economic risks. Labor markets remain tight, which is fueling wage growth and in turn inflation. This raises concerns that interest rates will have to rise to the point of increasing unemployment to bring inflation back down. Rising interest rates can also strengthen the dollar, making American agricultural exports less competitive in foreign markets.

High and volatile energy prices also add uncertainty to the economy and farm input prices. Volatility will likely persist because of the shutdown of the Nord Stream pipeline in Europe and planned oil supply cuts. Since natural gas is a major component of nitrogen fertilizer, farm input costs will be a significant issue for producers going into 2023.

Drought conditions in many areas of the country are creating major challenges for affected producers. In particular, drought in the Colorado River basin is both an immediate and a long-term problem for irrigation-dependent producers in that area.

The System also provides funding to rural infrastructure, including electricity cooperatives. The proliferation of electric vehicles and recent federal policy changes present opportunities and risks for System borrowers and lenders that are distinct from the opportunities and risks associated with agriculture.

Through the first six months of 2022, the System reported favorable financial results, including continued asset growth and increased earnings. Credit risk in the loan portfolio remained low, and System institutions were strongly capitalized. Overall, the System remains financially sound and is well positioned to meet the funding and liquidity needs of U.S. farmers and ranchers.

Board approves abstract for the Fall 2022 Unified Agenda submission

In other business, the FCA board approved two documents: the preamble and Fall 2022 Abstract of the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions, and the Fall 2022 Regulatory Plan.

The information in the abstract will be used in the official Unified Regulatory Agenda, which is published semiannually on the internet at reginfo.gov. The regulatory plan describes the regulatory projects scheduled for the next 12 to 24 months. The plan is posted on the agency’s Regulatory projects plan webpage after it has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget.