Grasshoppers-Mormon Crickets are Back and Ag Land Values Stable
From the Ag Information Network, this is your Agribusiness Update.
**Grasshoppers and Mormon crickets, which in past years have destroyed tens of millions of dollars of Northern California crops, are back this year, but farmers say in smaller numbers.
Plumas County Rancher Susy Pearce says during the past several years, grasshopper populations were so thick that “the cows had their eyes shut walking across the meadows.
The infestations forced her to spend upwards of $20,000 in pest control from 2021–2023.
**Farmers National Company says despite ongoing challenges in commodity markets and uncertain farm profits, agricultural land values remained surprisingly stable through mid-year.
While producers remain the main buyers, interest from individual and institutional investors can’t be ignored.
As land values stabilize, investors are increasingly attracted by both annual returns and long-term appreciation.
Inventory remains limited, with listings down 20-25% from the peak in 2020-21.
**The American Bankers Association released its annual Farm Bank Performance Report, highlighting the critical role farm banks played in supporting agriculture.
Despite continued challenges from global uncertainty and lingering supply chain disruptions, farm banks posted solid financial performance, improved asset quality, and increased lending to America’s farmers and ranchers.
The U.S. banking industry remains the single largest provider of ag credit, holding $205 billion in farm loans thru 2024.
