While farm income has long been an important driver of Midwestern economic activity, the influence of the agricultural sector had been waning until the boom in crop prices of 2004–13. More recently, a reversal in crop prices, along with other factors, has led incomes from crop farming to...

On November 15, 2011, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago held a conference to explore what has been driving the large and rapid increases in Midwest farmland values. Academics, industry representatives, and regulators presented their views on the factors contributing to these gains, as well as...

On December 1, 2009, the Chicago Fed held a conference that examined issues shaping the future of Midwest agriculture, with a focus on public policy implications. This conference gathered experts from academia, industry, and policy institutions to discuss trends and possibilities for agriculture...

On November 19, 2013, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago held a conference to explore the key risks faced by agricultural producers and lenders, as well as the risk-management tools available to them, in today’s volatile environment.

On November 27, 2012, the Chicago Fed hosted a conference to examine recent trends in farmland leasing and their impacts on agricultural lending. Experts gathered to analyze various kinds of farmland rental arrangements, different sources of income from farmland, and shifting relationships...

On September 24, 2007, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago held a conference that explored the role of research and development in agriculture and related sectors, focusing on policies that promote industry growth and rural development.