declined, averaging $173,563 in 1985, 6.9% less than in 

 1983. 



Based on crop and livestock inventories, it appears 

 that assets were sold to pay off debt.-^^ 



Table 4 



Montana Farmer Net Worth 



Year 



Total 



net 

 worth 



1983 24,000 $873,125 $186,458 $686,667 $16,480,008,000 



1984 23,900 757,322 180,000 577,322 13,797,995,800 



1985 23,600 623,844 173,563 450,281 10,626,631,600 



Source: Montana 1985 Farm Finance Report . 



Farmer Loan Delinquencies 



Survey data indicate a significant delinquency rate 

 among Montana agricultural borrowers. In 1985, 

 one-fourth of all operating loans and one-third of all 

 real estate loans were delinquent. Generally, both real 

 estate and operating loan delinquencies were much higher 

 for operations smaller than 3,000 acres. 



» 



