Farmers’ finances are in peril. In the midst of trade wars and low commodity prices, loan defaults are rising among Minnesota producers. In fact, defaults have doubled in fiscal year 2025 compared to the previous year, according to University of Minnesota Extension data.

Rising defaults mean more farmers asking mediators for help negotiating loan terms with lenders.

“Mediators are neutral facilitators. We're kind of glorified referees,” said Mary Preisler, program director of U of M Extension’s Farmer-Lender Mediation program.

By state law, mediation services must be offered to farmers who have defaulted on a loan of over $15,000. And Preisler’s office sees the default notices come through.

The team works in tandem with Farm Advocates, a Minnesota Department of Agriculture program that

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