But there are good reasons for it, contends Ken Auer, CEO of the Farm Credit Council.

One reason is that farm land is a core asset. And agriculture's booming economy still inspires confidence when farm credit goes to Wall Street for bonds.

"Farm Credit continues to tap national debt markets to bring capital to agriculture, and it remains financially strong," Mr Auer said.

"A key strength of Farm Credit's cooperative structure is that customer-elected directors keep these institutions focused on serving their mission and maintaining the financial strength necessary during difficult times."

In other words, its directors are fiscal conservatives.

The Farm Credit System and the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, known as Farmer Mac, share authorising legislation.

"But they are separate entities with very different operating structures," Mr Auer said.

"Farmer Mac is a secondary market credit provider, and isn’t integral to the operation or business profile of any Farm Credit institution.

"If something happens to Farmer Mac, it won't impact the system."

Early this year, Farm Credit banks increased their own credit lines to accommodate higher credit needs of farmers, cooperatives and agribusinesses.

Those credit needs were handled outside of Farmer Mac, notes Auer.