July 26, 2023

What Farmers Need to Know Before Consolidating Debt

Is now the right time to consolidate farm debt?

The perceived financial health of U.S. agriculture is trending lower and is expected to continue softening over the next 12 months. Interest rates are expected to rise while commodity prices are expected to fall.

The combination of these events will strain farm finances. Fortunately, farmers can prepare for these challenges through strategic restructuring of their current debt with a lender who understands the ebb and flow of the industry.

Whether you’re facing ballooning payments on a variable rate loan or looking to secure capital for operating costs should commodity prices drop, here’s what you need to know when considering if consolidating debt is right for you.

Benefits of Consolidating Debt for Farmers

Debt consolidation is a financial strategy where multiple debts, such as lines of credit or mortgages, are combined into a single loan or repayment plan. This allows borrowers to simplify their debt management. Other benefits include:

Lower Interest Rates

By consolidating multiple debts into a single loan, you may qualify for a lower interest rate compared to the average rates on your previous debts. This can save you money on interest charges over time.

Reduced Monthly Payments

Debt consolidation can lead to lower monthly payments if terms are extended, providing farmers with more cash flow and increased financial flexibility to cover other expenses or invest in their operations.

Improved Credit Score

Consistently making payments on a consolidated loan can positively impact your credit score, helping you establish a stronger credit profile for future borrowing needs.

Important note: Actual interest rates and savings achievable through debt consolidation will depend on various factors, including your credit score, the specific terms of the consolidation loan, and your overall financial situation. Working with a reputable lender or financial advisor can help you explore consolidation options and determine if it’s the right strategy for your particular circumstances.

DEBT CONSOLIDATION SUCCESS STORIES

North Carolina Farmer Consolidates Farm Debt with $7.0MM Short Term Loan

A North Carolina farmer successfully refinances and consolidates their farm debt with AgAmerica, obtaining a custom three-year interest-only term loan to increase working capital and focus on their peanut operation.

Colorado Rancher Finds Financial Flexibility with $19.1MM Debt Consolidation

AgAmerica's interest-only loan consolidation provides a solution for a Colorado cattle rancher, addressing the challenge of balancing debt structures and investment payouts, while increasing working capital for future investments and operational needs.

Family Farm Consolidates Debt and Secures Capital with $13MM Package

AgAmerica assists a vertically integrated operation in New Mexico, helping them consolidate debt, enhance their financial structure, and improve operational resilience against drought and volatile commodity markets.

Louisiana Farmer Lowers Payments and Rate on Multiple Debts with $1.1MM Refinance

AgAmerica helps a sugarcane farmer in Louisiana consolidate multiple high-interest loans into one manageable $1.1MM loan, reducing payments, improving cash flow, and providing a more resilient financial structure.

What Factors Should Be Considered Before Consolidating Debt?

Debt consolidation can be beneficial, but it isn’t the solution for everyone. These are the factors you should consider when determining if debt consolidation will benefit your operation:

Total Debt Amount – Assessing the number of debts and individual interest rates will help determine if consolidating them into a single loan would simplify repayment and potentially lower overall interest costs.
Interest Rates – Understanding the interest rates on existing loans will allow farmers to compare them with the potential interest rate of a consolidated loan.

Repayment Term – Evaluating the repayment terms, such as monthly payment amounts and loan duration, can help determine if consolidating debts would result in a more manageable payment plan.
Fees and Charges – Farmers should inquire about any fees or costs involved in the consolidation process, such as origination fees or prepayment penalties, to understand the potential financial implications.
Credit Score Impact – While consolidation itself can have a positive effect by simplifying payments, be aware that opening a new loan may initially result in a minor dip in your credit score.

AgAmerica can help you review your finances and understand if debt consolidation can save you time and money in the long run.

Signs It Might Be Time to Consolidate Debt

It’s important for farmers to carefully evaluate their individual circumstances and consider the specific terms and conditions of any debt consolidation option before making a decision. However, there are several factors that famers should consider when weighing their options:

Multiple Loan Payments – Have you recently missed a payment or struggled to manage multiple due dates?
High Interest Rate – Have you seen rates advertised lower than what you’re currently paying?
Cash Flow Strain – Are your debt obligations making it difficult to cover other essential expenses or invest in your farm’s growth?
Limited Repayment Options – Are you struggling to find or qualify for repayment options with favorable terms, such as adjustable interest rates or shorter repayment terms?

Risk of Default – Have unforeseen circumstances put you at risk of default?

If you answered “yes” to any of the questions above, it may be a good time to consolidate your debt.

Consolidate Debt with AgAmerica

AgAmerica works exclusively in the agricultural space—we understand farmers often find themselves in difficult financial situations through no fault of their own. It is our mission to provide flexible financing options to help farmers recover and thrive.

Our experts can help you review your loan portfolio and determine what is best for the future of your operation. Learn more about our refinance loans and how they can help you.