Farm Lenders Confirm Renewable Energy Income is Keeping Operations Afloat

Agricultural lenders surveyed in the mid-year 2025 ABA/Farmer Mac Agricultural Lender Survey expect only about 52% of U.S. farm borrowers that report to turn a profit this year. That is the lowest level since 2016. This reflects tighter margins and the financial stress across major crop regions.

Nearly 93% of lenders anticipate an increase in farm debt, mirroring past downturns when producers relied on loans to manage operations. Supplemental income from sources like wind or solar leases, CRP payments and government support remains critical. Over half of lenders cite these revenues as key to maintaining cash flow.