Farm Financial Stress: New Data Gives Broader Look at Bankruptcies Beyond Chapter 12

A new project tracking both Chapter 11 and Chapter 12 agricultural bankruptcies is providing a broader picture of financial pressure facing U.S. farmers and agricultural businesses. From January 2021 through June 2026, researchers identified 1,401 agricultural bankruptcy filings nationwide, including 1,200 Chapter 12 and 201 Chapter 11 cases. California recorded the most total filings at 95, followed by Arkansas with 83 and Georgia and Iowa with 82 each.

The data highlights the financial challenges facing some agricultural communities and the businesses that serve them. Sellers in farming markets can consider banks and credit unions, agricultural lenders, farm equipment dealers, insurance providers, accountants, attorneys and other agricultural service businesses that can offer farmers financial guidance, restructuring assistance, financing or tools to help manage costs and operations.