HELPING RURAL AREAS THRIVE SINCE 1916

FARM CREDIT UNDERSTANDS AGRICULTURE’S CHALLENGES

Written by: Ava Grace

Whether you are looking to finance a rural home or land, are in need of credit for livestock or new equipment, or are in the market for a line of credit or other financial services, Farm Credit is the place to turn to. FC knows the needs of the rural community and is dedicated to keeping it thriving.

“At Farm Credit, we provide financing and credit for people who live, work or play in the country,” says Rachel Watts, a brand ambassador at Farm Credit of Northwest Florida. “Farm Credit is a mission-driven financial cooperative and we believe serving and enriching the rural communities where we live and work is important,” she explains.

Rural community members have differing sets of needs compared to city and suburban dwellers. Consider a firsttime land buyer or home buyer who is looking to own acreage to build a home. “We provide financing for rural homes, lots, land with unlimited acreage, equipment, farm improvements, livestock, agricultural operating lines of credit and more,” adds Watts.

Althoughsomefarmersandrancherscomefromfamilieswhohave beenatitforgenerations,othersarenewandhaveneverpurchased realestateoraruralhome.ThelendingteamsatFarmCreditare fullofexpertsintherurallendingbusinessandareabletoguide purchasersdownthepathtosuccessfulcountryliving.

The Farm Credit has been serving rural communities since 1916. FC knows that agriculture can be volatile and full of unexpected challenges, including hurricanes, droughts and floods, and diseases such as citrus canker, or pests such as the banded cucumber beetle. “At Farm Credit, we understand those challenges and are committed to working with them to succeed,” Watts notes.

Farm Credit guides purchasers down the path to successful country living. Upper right, former Florida A&M University president Fred Gainous was raised in Tallahassee, but not on a farm. After retiring as an educator, he and his wife, Beverly, grew Coastal hay. He says, “Farm Credit rescued our dream of farm ownership.” Also praising Farm Credit are cattle ranchers Ella and John Thomas of Inverness, pictured below.

FC also provides a variety of resources for young, beginner and small farmers, including educational workshops, training programs and management seminars. Additionally, what sets Farm Credit apart from the majority of banks and other lending institutions is that customers are also members of the cooperative.

One of the most important financial benefits of doing business with a cooperative is that as a customer, you are also a member-owner. Watts says, “This entitles you to share in the FC association’s profits through patronage refunds declared by the association’s board of directors. In 2019 alone, the three associations covering the state of Florida distributed $42.8 million in patronage dividends back to our customers.”

Farm Credit is supportive of organizations that cultivate leaders in the agriculture industry, including FFA and 4-H, which provide many educational and hands-on opportunities for young people. Each association sponsors, participates and volunteers with local, regional and state livestock shows and other activities put on by FFA and 4-H, including state events. “At state events like the Florida FFA Convention, we’ve offered educational workshops on finance tools, understanding credit, leadership and more,” adds Watts.

Looking to move to the country, buy acreage or add farm equipment? Be assured that the Farm Credit can help you make your dreams come true. FCM

Roundup

Farm Credit of Florida

11903 Southern Blvd., Suite 200, West Palm Beach 800-432-4156; farmcreditfl.com

Farm Credit of Northwest Florida 5052 Highway 90 East, Marianna 800-527-0647, farmcredit-fl.com

Farm Credit of Central Florida 204 East Orange St., Suite 200, Lakeland 863-682-4115, farmcreditcfl.com