Despite some improvement, Kansas farmers remain in financial slump
Record harvests boosted Kansas average farm net income somewhat in 2016 to $43,161, following a near loss in 2015, according to the Kansas Farm Management Association.
The improvement in 2016 came from the higher yields and lower input and machinery costs.
However, there was a range of results across the state. Farms in the association in south-central Kansas averaged a loss of $5,352.
Current liabilities fell, while intermediate and long-term debts increased, likely reflecting debt restructuring, Kevin Herbel, executive director of the association, said in a statement.
While 2016 was better, the agricultural economy is still in a slump. Herbel said 35 percent of the KFMA 1,024 farms recorded a net loss for the year.
Dan Voorhis: 316-268-6577, @danvoorhis
This story was originally published May 25, 2017 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Despite some improvement, Kansas farmers remain in financial slump."