The Farm Bill impacts agricultural businesses and ag lenders, and it's important to understand its provisions for effective risk management and strategic planning.
From Contributor to CEO: How to Support Your Ag Borrowers as they Embrace a New Mindset
The transition for farmers and producers from hands-on contributors to operational leaders and owners of their businesses can be challenging. It upends the daily tasks and responsibilities they’ve been focused on for years, if not decades, requiring a shift in mindset that cannot and does not happen overnight.
Farmland Value Trends: Current Landscape and Insights
As we navigate through 2024, it's crucial to examine the latest trends shaping the farmland market. Understanding these trends informs investment decisions and provides valuable insights into the broader economic implications in the future. This article explores market shifts over the past 12 months and the anticipated outlook for the remainder of 2024.
How to Accommodate Your Ag Borrower’s Liquidity Needs in Anticipation of Tighter Margins
As commodity prices face pressure this year, many ag producers are looking to their financial partners for guidance. To support your ag clients effectively, we’re here to help you understand their liquidity needs and explore all available options.
Financial Strategies for Midwest Farm Operations Impacted by Extreme Weather
Extreme weather has hit Midwest farms hard this season, leading to significant production drops and increased financial strain. Ag lenders need to be proactive in exploring all financing options to support their clients through these challenging times.
How to Prepare Your Ag Borrowers for Refinancing in 2024
With farmers, producers, and other borrowers in the ag market navigating another challenging year with tighter margins that will squeeze their profitability, many will start to turn to refinancing to manage cash flow and better address financial pressures, particularly if (or when) interest rates come down—and lenders need to be prepared to guide them through the process with ease and confidence.
In the Know: Avian Influenza (HPAI) Detected in U.S. Dairy Cattle
It’s critical that our lenders and their borrowers stay in the know about any micro or macro shift that has the potential to impact their operations. We’re here to help share updates, answer questions, and provide guidance as needed when those instances arise. Click to learn more about Avian Influenza detected in U.S. dairy cattle.
The final refinance: End uncertainty for ag borrowers with participation lending
End the uncertainty and stress of refinancing farm loans with Agri-Access. Help farmers gain stability, extended terms and greater control over working capital.
Our expertise: Tailored coverage in every ag region
Ag lending calls for a tailored approach. Each of our relationship managers at Agri-Access is dedicated to one of eight agricultural regions in the U.S. Learn more about how they can support you and the region you serve.
6 offerings from Agri-Access that will transform your lending services
Agri-Access offers flexibility to ag lenders, enhancing their offerings with longer term participation loans, quick underwriting decisions with Scorecard, and reduced risk.
Winter on the farm: Tips for lenders to stay connected with farmers and producers
Winter is a busy time for farmers, and a great opportunity for financial organizations to connect and plan for future lending opportunities in agriculture.
Safeguard your bank’s liquidity by participating your ag loans
Bank liquidity is a critical component in financial stability. Discover how participation lending strategies can contribute to stronger liquidity management for your lending institution.
Should AI-Enabled Farm Technology Get the Green Light? Assessing the Risk
AI in agriculture brings both benefits and risks. It improves productivity and reduces expenses, but also increases vulnerability to cyberattacks. Farmers and lenders must be aware of these risks and take measures to address cybersecurity. Find out how lenders can help.
With ag loan interest rates going up, how can lenders keep farmers’ plans on track?
Farms face challenges with higher loan interest rates. Find out how ag lenders can provide innovative solutions to help navigate these changing financial tides.
As farm succession planning drives the future of ag, lenders need financial solutions to help them succeed
Will young farmers have the necessary resources to run their family-owned farms? Find out why supporting young farmers is essential and how a partnership with Agri-Access can help provide financial tools for growth.
Calm communication and unflagging persistence: Brett Johnson uncovers winning formula in ag loan closings
As a closing coordinator, Brett Johnson brings cool composure and an unwavering commitment to meeting tight deadlines and providing top-notch service to our lending partners.
Future-focused farming trends: Precision agriculture, vertical farming and the opportunities for lenders
Discover the latest trends in precision agriculture and vertical farming. Agri-Access can help you seize opportunities in the evolving agricultural landscape.
Navigating the Challenges in Agricultural Lending: Trends and Solutions
Fluctuating commodity prices, unpredictable weather patterns, and more — find out the factors influencing ag lending decisions. Stay informed and adapt to the changing landscape of agricultural finance.
Permanent Plantings: Lending Solutions for Land Development Loans
Agricultural land development loans and secondary lending with Agri-Access solve risky challenges with permanent plantings from wineries to almond groves and more.
Webinar: Eric Snodgrass unveils what drives the weather anomalies of 2023
Forecasters were caught off guard by the unexpected weather patterns this year. Explore the reasons behind the surprises, including shifting pressure systems and temperature distributions, and their impact on weather forecasts.
Employee Spotlight: Duane Maciejewski brings strategic vision to enhance ag leasing
Growing up in a rural community shaped Duane Maciejewski's career path in ag finance. Now, as a Group VP, he's spearheading enhancements to the Agri-Access leasing program.
Your ag clients are busy, which is why we dedicated ourselves to streamlining the lending process. Discover how our unique offerings, like our Scorecard Program calibrated specifically for agriculture, will enhance your ag lending services.
Mitigating severe weather risks: Essential questions for lenders in the ag industry
Lenders need to carefully assess the exposure of farmers to weather-related risks. We gathered up crucial questions you should ask borrowers during the lending process. Discover how these insights can help you make informed decisions and provide effective risk mitigation strategies.
Looking to better meet the needs of growing ag businesses? Learn how Agri-Access participation loans can help and explore the benefits of working with us.
The Value of Expertise in Bespoke Loan Agreements for Agriculture
Building tailored loan agreements for complex agricultural transactions requires expertise in financial and legal analysis. Discover how Agri-Access can assist with the resources you need.
What makes a good ag lender? Strategies to build trust and add value
During a strong ag market cycle – when commodity prices are optimal for profits, yields are strong and inputs are comfortably covered – your annual meeting with ag producers can take on a very different agenda.
Webinar Recap: Insights for lenders on HPAI: What are the risks and mitigations for poultry producers?
What do lenders need to know about the deadly strain of avian flu that's disrupting the poultry industry? Our latest webinar covers the risks and mitigations.
Agriculture, Forest Products, and Commercial Fishing in the northeast: Why lenders shouldn’t overlook its potential
If you’re a community lender or financing organization in the Northeast looking to expand your portfolio, now is the time to consider the capital needs of the farmers and ag producers surrounding your community.
Labor challenges, health care access, farmland prices — these are just some of the top Main Street economic issues that will be top of mind as we enter 2023.
Brandon Lytle thrives on building new solutions in the ag finance space
Brandon Lytle finds meaning in building a career that honors his ag roots, and draws inspiration from being at the leading edge of agribusiness lending solutions.
Prosperity in the heartland: Core traits of a thriving rural economy
As a lender, you have the pulse of local business. To inspire your vision for future pathways of growth, we put together a list of five traits of thriving rural economies.
Steph Lawson harnesses the power of trust and collaboration to resolve issues
To Steph Lawson, Agri-Access has a great team that works hard to create successful outcomes. And that kind of track record wouldn't be possible without a healthy work culture.
Webinar recap: What will happen with interest rates in 2023?
Providing a deep dive on the U.S. economy and what to expect with interest rates, Agri-Access welcomed guest speaker Adam Gaskill for this month's webinar.
With participation loans, the benefits abound. Clients can access larger loans than their local institution could normally offer. And those institutions can build their client relationships, while reducing their overall risk.
What do our employees like most about working at Agri-Access?
If you thrive on teamwork, problem solving and opportunity, you’ll find your fit with Agri-Access! Because these are the things our employees love about working with us!
Meet the expert that will help you grow: The Agri-Access relationship manager
In their own words, these Relationship Managers share how to strengthen critical relationships between community lenders and the producers that turn to them for capital.
Thanks to our revamped online lender portal, the speed and efficiency at which loans can move from application to closed has increased considerably, in just 7 steps.
Tim McTigue is all about growth, and that’s a good thing for producers
Tim McTigue joined Agri-Access in December 2021 as Director Business Development. From his first job, Tim recognized the critical role of lending in agriculture, and knew he wanted to make a difference in rural communities.
The importance of cybersecurity for online lending
We know you take cybersecurity very seriously and trust us to secure your data. That means we’re regularly monitoring our online Lender Portal for vulnerabilities and taking action when needed.
How FinTech is Disrupting the Agricultural Industry
FinTech is leading the charge to disrupt the agricultural banking industry, with a generally positive response from producers across the world. Keeping up with innovation is no longer a luxury. It's a necessity and an opportunity to provide better service.
Can regenerative agriculture lead to higher profits, better quality of life and a cleaner environment? The research is in, and the answers may just surprise you.
What do hayrides, hunting and house tours have in common? They can all be the basis of a successful agritourism venture! Read all about these businesses ideas and how they can help producers profit in our latest blog.
Will jojoba and ostriches replace soybeans and turkeys? Probably not anytime soon, but that doesn't mean these alternative crops don't present some exciting opportunities for creative-minded producers.
Learning all the time: An interview with Client Education Specialist Sherri Korte
Sherri Korte has hit the ground running, already finding ways to improve client onboarding to our lender portal. We're thrilled to have her join our team, and to introduce her to you as Agri-Access' new Client Education Specialist!
Investors are throwing jaw-dropping amounts at indoor farming start-ups, but their profitability remains a major question. Just what does it take for these operations to be successful?
How Melissa McMaster went from college instructor to Agri-Access Post Close Coordinator
Melissa McMaster's got an enviable depth of experience already under her belt. That, coupled with her impressive attention to detail, made her the ideal candidate for her new position.
The Agri-Tech Rundown: 3 More Innovations To Watch For
You asked, we delivered! Here are three more exciting new technologies poised to make an impact on the world of agriculture. From custom microbes to walking robots, there's no denying that the future is now.
How closing coordinator Karina Vega does it all (all at once)
If you look up 'busy' in the dictionary, you might just see a picture of closing coordinator Karina Vega. We had a delightful time talking with her about how she balances a new full-time job, being a full-time student and a mom of three.
One of the most complex and emotional tasks an agricultural loan specialist can take on is helping with farm succession planning. Keeping the business in the family can be a lot of work, but Agri-Access is always ready to help ensure the loan transfer goes smoothly.
Wind turbine leases have changed a lot in a very short amount of time. When Agri-Access’ loan servicers first started working with renewable energy companies, the process of leasing turbine land was often arduous. The restrictions were extensive, to the point where the negatives outweighed the benefits for many.
Agricultural conditions in California have been the subject of a lot of well-justified worry lately. Ongoing crippling drought has accelerated long-predicted severe water shortages by several decades. And the risk of wildfires has led to soaring insurance costs. Learn more:
With banking partners across the country, Agri-Access has a lot of experience working with all types of commodities. Orchards, row crops, timber land, livestock operations — whatever it is, odds are good we’ve seen it before.
Diane Zelhart Walks Us Through What’s Changing For Appraisals
After graduating with a bachelor's degree in finance and ag business from Illinois State University, Diane wanted to continue with a life in agriculture. So, she dove straight into the world of agricultural and rural real estate appraisal. Now she’s joined Agri-Access, excited to expand her territory and tackle new projects.
What To Look For When Choosing an Agricultural Lender
When it’s time to support a customer’s growth or to grow your own business, the right agricultural loan can make all the difference. You just have to find it.
Doing so isn’t always easy. Agriculture is a unique business and it's in your best interest to find a lender who understands its nuances and unique considerations.
With that being said, here are our strategies for the best ways to find an agricultural lender to support your project or your portfolio.
Thirty-seven years. That’s how long Kari York, Senior Loan Specialist, has been with Agri-Access and its parent company. Whatever your questions, whatever your challenges, Kari’s got the knowledge and experience to find a solution.
Joscelyn Smith Works Towards New Marketing Initiatives
As Marketing Specialist, Joscelyn’s strengths in writing and communications have been integral to the development of Agri-Access’ brand and voice. From mass communications to website content, everything goes through her at some stage in its development.
From startups to industry behemoths, there is a lot of buzz going around about agricultural technology. Since farming began, the drive to produce a better harvest has been constant. These emerging innovations are promising to accelerate us down that trajectory.
Respect, Honesty, Integrity And Work Ethic: The Values That Drew Adam Sperfslage To Agri-Access
When the opportunity to work full time for Agri-Access first came around, Adam Sperfslage initially passed. He’d loved his internship with them when he was in college, but wasn’t sure it was the right time to move jobs.
Chad Steele Guides The Future Of Agricultural Lending
Chad Steele says he and his team are fortunate enough to fully dedicate themselves to pursuing their greatest passion: assisting lenders to help them grow their business and ultimately support their clients.
Agriculture has always been an important part of McManis’s life. She was raised on a farm in Ohio and she loves working in the agricultural business at a time when so many people need help.
