The agricultural crisis of the early 1980s remains a vivid memory for many in the farming community. The massive run-up in farmland prices in the late 1970s, followed by the sharp decline in land prices between 1981 and 1992, significantly contributed to the adverse effects on farmers and their lenders. Today, farmland values are rising at a pace reminiscent of the 1970s, raising concerns that another agricultural crisis may occur if land prices decline. This article briefly discusses some of the reasons for recent farmland price increases and analyzes their potential effect on FDIC-insured institutions.
Last Updated: November 19, 2025