The disaggregated balance sheets enable users to assess the status and trends of the wealth within the farm sector. Assets are valued at market prices on December 31 of each year or as close to December 31 as possible.
Debt is classified as either real estate or nonreal estate.
Nominal and real capital gains on farm assets and debt are estimated. An extensive set of financial ratios is presented reflecting the solvency, productivity, liquidity, and efficiency of the farm sector in the aggregate. These financial measures provide useful indicators of farm sector financial performance. A complete set of estimates is provided for each State. Both operators' and landlords' shares of the assets and debt for the farming operation are included in the balance sheet.