Clint Hood discusses agricultural banking challenges at finance subcommittee hearing

The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture convened on July 17, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding financing farm operations, focusing on the importance of credit and risk management in the agricultural sector. The meeting featured testimony from several key witnesses in agricultural banking and farm operations.

The session began with introductions of the witnesses, including Clint Hood, Senior Vice President at Synovus Bank; Mandy Minnick, Senior Vice President of Stakeholder Relations at Ag West Farm Credit; Brian Gilbert, Senior Vice President and Ag Banking Manager at First National Bank in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and John Russell Wicks, owner of Timber Ridge Organics in Ledger, Montana. Each witness was allotted five minutes to present their insights.

Clint Hood opened the testimony, sharing his extensive experience in agricultural finance, which spans nearly four decades. He emphasized the vital role banks play in supporting farmers and ranchers, noting that over 80% of banks in the United States include agriculture in their lending portfolios. Hood highlighted the challenges currently facing the agricultural economy, describing it as "not healthy right now." He underscored the importance of collaboration between agricultural bankers and producers to enhance business operations and improve livelihoods.

The discussions underscored the necessity of effective credit management and risk assessment in agriculture, particularly in light of the economic pressures affecting the sector. The witnesses collectively stressed the need for ongoing support and innovative solutions to ensure the sustainability of farm operations.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore the challenges and opportunities in agricultural financing, with follow-up actions anticipated to address the issues raised during the testimonies. The committee aims to continue its efforts in supporting the agricultural community through informed policy-making and resource allocation.