Farm Bankruptcies Declined in 2020, Still a Major Concern — Economist

Last year saw fewer family farm bankruptcy filings (552) than 2019. Taken alone, that number is positive. But, those Chapter 12 filings were the third-highest in the last 10 years, a symptom of the generally bearish commodity marketplace of recent years. Now that the markets have turned around, will those bankruptcies slow down? Though improving grain prices will help, American Farm Bureau Federation Chief Economist John Newton said this week the risk will remain high for those farmers who have considered bankruptcy in the last year or two. Farm and commercial loan delinquency rates will be a major factor to watch to get a feel for the bankruptcy trend moving forward as USDA refines loan guidelines for delayed payments. See and hear more on this big topic.