How to Prepare Your Operation’s Finances Before Applying for a Loan
Establish a good financial record keeping system to leverage the best terms for your next farm loan.
Applying for a loan can be a scary, frustrating process, especially when your time is dedicated to planting, harvesting, or caring for livestock—but with the right preparations in place, it can be a less daunting of a process. Read More
Refinancing Your Farm Operation: What You Need to Know
If there is one thing we know about farming, it’s that sometimes things don’t go as planned. The unpredictability of the weather, commodity and market prices, and crop yields can result in tremendous volatility for a farmer and their family. Recently, government tariffs on commodities and severe weather events have made a significant impact on farmers’ ability to produce a good margin of profitability to plan for future years. When obstacles like this occur, many farmers consider refinancing their farm operation to recover from the previous year.Read More
How to Improve Your Credit Score Before Applying for an Ag Loan
Check out our tips for getting a higher credit score.
Your credit score–the three-digit number that relates to how likely you are to repay debt—is an important aspect of your financial future. After all, it determines whether you receive the loan you’re applying for and the rates you’ll pay. According to the financial experts at Nerd Wallet, the lifetime cost of higher interest rates from bad or mediocre credit can exceed six figures. On the other hand, borrowers can leverage strong credit scores for fantastic deals on loans, credit cards, and insurance premiums.
Two Things That Will Help You Secure an Ag Land Loan
Find out how possessing character and capital can secure an ag land loan
Before working to secure an agricultural land loan, potential loan borrowers (loan borrower meaning an individual, organization or company using funds, materials or services on credit) should consider whether they have the 5 C’s of Credit, with the first two being character and capital.Read More
4 Key Business Relationships to Have in Your Inner Crop Circle
How To Help Your Farm Thrive in 2019
Find out how working with trusted ag lenders, crop consultants, insurance agents and attorneys can help your farm thrive.
Running a modern agricultural operation requires a diverse range of skills, including, but not limited to crop planting and management, soil fertility maintenance, financial planning and business expertise, sales and marketing know-how, and preparing for an uncertain future.
What to Consider When Purchasing Farm Equipment and Machinery
Investing in farm equipment & machinery
Here are a few things to keep in mind when investing in new equipment for your farming operation.
Although they’re often necessary, it’s no secret that new farm equipment and machinery purchases are typically costly – but according to retired economist William Edwards, making smart decisions when it comes to acquisition, trading, and how much capacity to invest in can reduce machinery costs as much as $50 per acre.
In this article, we discuss a breakdown of farm machinery and equipment costs and whether or not those purchases will truly serve you and your operation.Read More
How to Create a Long-Term Business Plan for Your Farm or Ranch
Discover the steps to writing a business plan designed to help you reach even the loftiest of goals.
Whether you’re launching a farming or ranching business or interested in taking your existing operation to the next level, it’s smart to create a long-term business plan to ensure you’re on the right track – after all, if you do it right, your business plan will be your roadmap to where you want to go.
Two Things That Will Help You Secure an Ag Loan
Find out how character and capital can help secure an ag loan
Before working to secure an agricultural land loan, potential ag loan borrowers (loan borrower meaning an individual, organization or company using funds, materials or services on credit) should consider whether they have the 5 C’s of Credit, with the first two being character and capital.Read More
Year-End Tax Tips for Farmers and Ranchers
Discover 8 tax tips for the new year.
As the end of the year approaches, it’s the perfect time to begin organizing your receipts and financial paperwork to prepare for the upcoming tax season. The tax filing deadline for Federal Income Tax Returns is Monday, April 15, 2019.Read More