Ag lending

China’s threat to impose hefty tariffs on dozens of U.S. imports could weaken demand for soybeans, pork and other agricultural products. Here's what that could mean for farmers, ranchers and the banks that lend to them.

The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp. reported significant gains in new business volume, but also realized a big jump in 90-day delinquencies.

Farmer Mac has terminated President and CEO Timothy Buzby for violating company policies not related to its financial and business performance.

Farmer Mac's second-quarter net earnings increased 46% year-over-year, driven by a boost in net interest income that was enhanced by its growing loan and securities portfolio.

Mexico's decision to reduce imports of soybean meal, corn and chicken has put more pressure on certain farmers, while creating another situation for lenders to monitor.

Farmer Mac's third-quarter net income increased 95% to $16.4 million over the same period one year ago due to a $5.4 million increase in the fair value of financial derivatives.

A new Rural Housing Service construction-to-permanent loan program is garnering strong interest from lenders and builders who see it as a much-needed opportunity.

It's been a tough year for farmers, and lenders are looking for ways to help those borrowers offset sagging income.

The Rural Housing Service has quietly launched a new construction loan program designed to increase the availability of new homes in rural areas.

Farmer Mac posted lower net income than during the second quarter of 2015 on a loss on financial derivatives and hedging activities.

American farmers who expanded production using rented land during the commodity boom a few years ago are now struggling to repay loans.

Suncrest Bank is hoping that its team of experienced executives, combined with organic growth and acquisitions, will help more than double its assets in the next few years.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Housing Service is raising the cost of its home-loan guarantees that enable borrowers to purchase homes in certain areas without down payments.

Farmer Mac officials are confident about the stability and continued performance of the loans on their books, even as the agricultural industry faces headwinds like the California drought and recent decline in corn prices.

Farm banks have enjoyed several years of robust loan volume, but declining farm income has them on guard for increases in delinquencies and more eager to use government-guarantee programs.

The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp.'s earnings fell in the fourth quarter to $8.9 million, down from $13.4 million during the same period in 2013.

CertusHoldings in Greenville, S.C., has agreed to sell its small business finance unit to BankUnited in Miami Lakes, Fla.

Farmer Mac and Conterra Asset Management have launched a joint venture offering agriculture appraisal services nationwide.

In yet another revision of its mortgage rules, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau proposed making it easier for small and rural lenders to make "qualified mortgages." Industry representatives said the changes are poised to make a big difference.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on Thursday proposed a series of regulatory relief measures for small institutions, especially those in rural areas, to help them provide credit while they try to follow the agency's tough mortgage rules.