Commercial banks are the leading lenders of non–real estate debt to farmers, with $72 billion debt (41%) of $174 billion total non–real estate debt, and the second leading lenders of real estate debt, with $109 billion debt (32%) of $345 billion total real estate debt in 2023 (USDA-ERS, 2024). Despite the entry of other lenders into the agricultural lending space, commercial banks have maintained their dominant position. Their widespread network of bank branches allows them to have a physical presence in local communities unmatched by other lenders. This physical presence gives them a deep understanding of the agricultural industry and the risks facing their farm patrons’ operations.