By Blake Jackson
Agricultural lenders across Missouri are encouraged to participate in the 2025 Agricultural Lenders Seminar series, designed to provide essential updates in preparation for the 2026 growing season.
The series is hosted by University of Missouri Extension, the MU Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute, and the MU Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center. It covers commodity markets, production costs, farmland values, and region-specific topics relevant to Missouri agriculture.
“These seminars are built with Missouri agriculture’s needs in mind, as well as those of the service providers working with farmers and ranchers,” said Ben Brown, MU Extension agricultural economist and seminar coordinator. “We combine statewide economic trends with local topics to help lenders be best positioned to assist their clientele.”
Each session will examine market trends and price fluctuations for key Missouri commodities, provide updated enterprise budgets for major crops, livestock, and fruit and vegetable operations to help lenders assess borrower profitability, and cover farm policy and tax developments.
Attendees will also learn about current trends in farmland values and cash rent benchmarks, with regional topics tailored to each area’s agricultural landscape.
The seminars will be held at six locations throughout the state, beginning at 9:30 a.m.:
- Nov. 4 -Jefferson City (cattle and forage production resources)
- Nov. 6 - Springfield (specialty crop and value-added agriculture)
- Nov. 13 - Sikeston (southeastern crop outlooks, carbon intensity scoring, machinery economics)
- Nov. 18 - Warsaw (poultry and egg industry updates)
- Nov. 20 - Chillicothe (farm policy and tax updates)
- Nov. 25 - Mexico (regulatory updates for Missouri agriculture)
Past attendees have praised the seminar series for its relevance and practical impact. Evaluation summaries show that 100% of participants said the seminars helped them better serve or advise agricultural clients. One previous attendee commented, “It’s the most productive meeting I attend all year.”
Registration includes program materials, a budget booklet, and lunch. Participants also gain access to an exclusive spring webinar series that can be shared with clients.
For more information or registration, contact Ben Brown at bpbrown@missouri.edu or 573-882-6527.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: Missouri, Education