BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — A monthly economic survey of bankers in North Dakota and nine other agriculture-dependent states points to a rough ag outlook at the start of 2025. The Rural Mainstreet Economy survey for January 2025 finds farmland prices have dropped for the eighth time in the past nine months, while farm equipment sales have also fallen, continuing a trend that has run for over a year and a half. Also worrisome is the estimate by ag lenders in the 10-state region that 1 in 5 grain farmers expect to experience negative cash flow for 2025. The survey notes while grain prices have risen in recent months, they haven't increased enough to offset weak agriculture commodity prices and negative farm cash flows seen in the region. One Illinois banker said all field corn and soybean producing farmers in the state can't cover their input costs, noting they have 1975 prices but 2025 input costs. On the other hand, the survey finds things are looking good for regional livestock producers, who appear to be experiencing solid prices that are helping to maintain profitability. And despite the early 2025 outlook, the survey points to trade data from the International Trade Association (ITA), that reports regional exports of agriculture goods and livestock for the first 11 months of 2024 rose by $673.4 million to $11.6 billion from the same period in 2023 for a 6.2% gain. Mexico was the top destination for 2024 regional ag exports, accounting for 48.1% of total regional agriculture and livestock exports. Also, North Dakota appears to faring better than many of the states in the survey. Farmland prices have stayed level or gone up slightly and North Dakota exports of agriculture goods and livestock for the first 11 months of 2024 rose by $112.8 million from the same period in 2023, for a 12.5% gain. Mexico was the number one destination for 2024 North Dakota ag exports, accounting for 46.8% of total North Dakota agriculture and livestock exports. In addition to North Dakota, the other states surveyed in the monthly Rural Mainstreet Economy report include Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW