The average rate on non-real estate loans was about 30 basis points higher than the all-time low reached at the end of 2020 and the uptick was largely consistent across loan types. In contrast, average rates on farm real estate loans continued to decline and marked another historic low. Rates also remained comparatively low at the largest commercial banks and those lenders offered a sizeable discount for the lowest risk loans, while smaller lenders continued to provide similar accommodation regardless of riskiness.
Despite the slight increase in rates for operating loans, the historically low interest rate environment and muted demand for agricultural lending suggests that interest expenses have remained low relative to recent years. Profitability in the sector also continued to be supported by strong prices for most major commodities. The slight decline in financing costs for farm real estate may also provide ongoing support farmland values. With the exception of some persistent headwinds for the cattle industry and producers impacted by drought, the outlook for the agricultural economy in 2021 remained strong through the second quarter.
