Farm Financial Stress in Oklahoma: The Effects of Price Change and Debt

After historically high levels of net farm income in 2012 and 2013, low commodity and livestock prices have combined with other factors to dramatically reduce farm income. These changes create financial stress for farmers, degrades the value of farmland and other farm assets, and has implications for agricultural credit markets and relationships. Most farmers and ranchers are looking for ways to improve financial performance, but more importantly are looking for information on how to mitigate the effects of financial stress in their operations. Active farmers and ranchers need information to survive the current and future periods of farm financial stress. The purpose of this research is to explore the extent of recent farm financial stress, and to determine what factors are contributing to the current cycle of farm financial stress. Specifically, we explore recent trends in farm income and farm debt, compare current farm financial position and performance to previous years, and determine factors that are associated with successful transition through periods of farm financial stress. This research examines the effect that leverage, and prices have on the intermediate survival of a farm business. The findings of the research will provide further insight into the conditions that create and enhance farm financial stress