Ideas Grow Here
The Strongest Food Systems Grow From Strong Ideas, Shared Knowledge, and Relationships. Ideas & Insights is where Potlikker Capital shares the conversations, research, and perspectives shaping relationship-centered investing.
What Happens When Investment Begins with Relationships
The return on investment can be seen in stronger relationships, thriving enterprises, resilient communities, and the opportunities they create together.
Drawing on lessons highlighted in Potlikker Capital's first Impact Report, Mark Watson reflects on six years of listening, learning, and investing alongside producers and processors across the country and explores why relationships remain central to every investment Potlikker makes.
By Mark Watson, Co-Founder and President.
The State of American Agriculture
The realities shaping American agriculture demonstrate the importance of investment approaches that strengthen relationships, expand opportunity, and support producers for the long term.
3.4M agricultural producers help feed our nation
Behind every farm is a producer making decisions that shape local economies, food access, and the future of American agriculture.
63% of agricultural producers are age 55 or older
Supporting today's producers while cultivating the next generation is essential to building resilient food systems for the future.
95% of U.S. agricultural producers identify as White
Expanding access to capital and opportunity can create greater participation across the agricultural economy.
315 Chapter 12 bankruptcies
Farm bankruptcies rose 46% in 2025, with nearly three-quarters concentrated in the Midwest and Southeast.
$4,350 per acre
The average value of U.S. farm real estate rose 4.3% in 2025, providing an important equity cushion for farmers who own land.
30% larger operating loans
The average farm operating loan grew 30% in 2025. Smaller-acreage farmers have less land equity and collateral to absorb prolonged losses, making access to flexible capital critical.
72 Chapter 12 filings
Arkansas, Georgia, and Louisiana recorded 72 filings in 2025—nearly one-quarter of all farm bankruptcies nationwide.
Research Behind the Insights: Data and industry insights are drawn from trusted public research, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USAFacts, American Farm Bureau Federation, USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, and Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.
Expanding Financial Opportunity
USDA research highlights the need for greater access to capital and opportunity, helping socially disadvantaged producers build resilient enterprises and stronger regional food systems.
The Potlikker Salon
The Potlikker Salon brings together producers, investors, researchers, and community leaders for candid conversations about regenerative agriculture, food sovereignty, Ecosystem Investing, and the future of resilient regional food systems. Each conversation is rooted in the belief that the strongest ideas grow through relationships.
Producer Spotlights
Leadership Conversations
Community Voices
Special Events (Upcoming: Morehouse Spotlight Story in September)
Future Salon Conversations:
Thoughtful Investment Begins with Thoughtful Understanding.
Explore Potlikker Capital's growing library of impact reports, field research, producer stories, and practical resources exploring Ecosystem Investing, resilient food systems, and community-centered capital.
