Record harvest exposes leverage strains across US farm economy

A bumper corn crop is exacerbating price pressure for heavily indebted growers, intensifying the squeeze on cash flows after years of rising input costs and higher interest burdens. Producers are weighing asset sales, refinancing and cost cuts as margins shrink, while lenders become more selective. The ripple effects include softer equipment demand and tighter credit for smaller operators. The situation underscores how productivity gains can compound financial stress when balance sheets are stretched and benchmark rates remain elevated.