By Scout Nelson
In June, the Kansas City Fed’s Omaha Branch hosted its Food and Agriculture Economic Summit with a clear theme Investment in Food Production and Distribution. The event brought together farmers, food distributors, ag bankers, policymakers, and Federal Reserve leaders to exchange real world observations that complement formal data. Omaha Branch Executive Nate Kauffman emphasized that conversations often surface issues that send analysts back to the numbers to understand what is changing on the ground.
The program opened on June 24 with remarks from Kansas City Fed President and CEO Jeff Schmid. Federal Reserve Governor Michael Barr joined the discussions alongside dozens of industry participants. Sessions focused on investment in farm production and on the drivers of spending in food consumption and distribution, with ample time for questions and small group dialogue.
Several themes stood out. First, economic and demographic shifts in rural areas are creating headwinds for some businesses and shaping investment choices. Second, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies are being adopted to raise efficiency, improve productivity, and address labor challenges across the supply chain. Third, consumer preferences continue to guide investment decisions for producers, processors, and retailers.
Participants also noted that expanding agricultural production in South America and other regions is influencing long term strategies for U.S. producers and agribusinesses. Additionally, policy uncertainty, limited labor availability, high capital costs, and gaps in rural infrastructure are pushing many firms toward investments that prioritize efficiency rather than rapid growth.
“I think some of the ideas and comments that have surfaced, they might be things we want to revisit six to 12 months from now,” said Kauffman. “Others are things that are going to be on our long-term radar for quite some time.”
The Kansas City Fed maintains a deep connection to agriculture across its Tenth District. Beyond hosting this summit, the Bank regularly surveys agricultural credit conditions, publishes ag finance updates, and provides outlooks that summarize regional trends. These efforts, combined with ongoing engagement, help ensure rural perspectives are included in broader discussions about the national economy and financial system. Stakeholders are encouraged to connect, share experiences, and help refine future research priorities together across the region.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-peopleimages
Categories: Kansas, Business, General