Unlocking Agribusiness: Crops, Cattle and Costs

In this episode of The Vault, host Amelis Long speaks with Barry Benson, Vice President, Agribusiness Banking at FNBO. Barry shares key insights about the U.S. agriculture industry, noting that about 90% of farms are family-owned and many span multiple generations. He highlights the role of corn across thousands of everyday products and discusses current conditions in the cattle industry, where the U.S. cow herd is at a 70-year low due to drought and shifting land use. With strong consumer demand for high-quality beef and limited supply, prices have risen, and rebuilding the herd will take several years due to the long production cycle.The conversation also explores the challenges facing row crop farmers in 2026, as high input costs for seed, fertilizer, and labor collide with declining grain prices. Barry explains how producers are managing through these pressures by closely controlling costs and exploring new market opportunities. He also shares how FNBO supports agricultural customers with financing, cash management, and insurance solutions to help maintain stability through industry cycles. Despite current headwinds, the outlook for several sectors remains positive, underscoring the resilience and innovation of America’s farming families.To learn more about FNBO and our Agribusiness Banking, please visit our website, fnbo.com/commercial-banking/agribusiness or our 2026 Agricultural Outlook.Member FDICPodcasts are for informational purposes only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations. When making decisions about your financial situation, consult a financial professional for advice. Podcasts are not regularly updated and information may become outdated.Chapters0:00 - Welcome to The Vault Podcast0:26 - Barry Benson on Agribusiness0:49 - U.S. Farming Facts and Trivia3:03 - Beef Prices and Cattle Supply6:12 - Row Crop Costs and Margins8:14 - Why Food Prices Are Higher10:16 - Interest Rates and Farm Planning12:14 - FNBO Agribusiness Solutions14:16 - 2026 Agriculture Opportunities15:24 - Protecting the Family Farm17:18 - National Agriculture Month18:20 - Agribusiness Closing Thoughts