Farm groups confirmed their support for the Farm Credit System as the Senate Agriculture Committee held a hearing Thursday regarding farm lending. Two panels gave testimony during the hearing titled “The Farm Credit System: Oversight and Outlook of the Current Economic Climate.” More than 50 farm groups wrote the Senate Agriculture Committee this week telling lawmakers the current farm economy makes “the role of the Farm Credit System more important than ever.” The American Farm Bureau Federation says the array of credit products offered by both the Farm Credit System and commercial banks ensures farmers and their industry sector partners have access to financial tools that are vital to their success. Committee Chairman Pat Roberts, a Republican from Kansas, announced at the opening of the hearing that the Farm Service Agency has seen a 21 percent increase in farm loans compared to last year.