Forty per cent of farmers see their banker as a "partner"

"With eighty two percent of farmers expecting to have access to capital, your relationship with your banker in times like this is imperative. The key is to remember that you do not need to manage through this tough decision-making time alone, but instead should be leaning on some subject matter experts around you."

"According to some RealAgristudies research in January, forty per cent of Canadian farmers see their bank or lending institution as a "trusted partner, proactive and flexible," thirty-three per cent say "they are supportive but transactional," and twenty-one per cent say "they are adequate but do not add much value.""

"In conversations with Canadian and U.S. ag-bankers there is a deep desire to be seen as a partner with targeted clients, which is something that would benefit farmers in tough times like this."

2026 presents financial challenges for farms as commodity prices fail to match production costs, increasing risk and strain on farm management. While eighty-two percent of farmers expect capital access, the quality of banker relationships becomes critical during difficult periods. Research shows only forty percent of Canadian farmers view their lenders as trusted, proactive partners, while fifty-four percent see them as transactional or providing minimal value. Bankers across Canada aspire to develop deeper partnership relationships with clients, recognizing this approach would benefit farmers during economic stress. The disconnect between farmer perceptions and banker aspirations suggests opportunity for improved communication and service delivery in agricultural lending.

Read at Realagriculture