Kathy Bogardus

As you get ready to buy your inputs for the season, you may be considering financing options that will let you pay for your purchases on a schedule that fits your financial needs.  Financing can be a great way to let you purchase now and match payments to your cash flows, but it’s important to make sure you look at all aspects of financing offers before choosing one. You'll want to consider things like rate, term, and whether or not financing is restricted to specific products or bundles.  Terms to Know Understanding the basic terminology of financing will help you understand what you’re looking at as you make your decision. Annual Interest Rate The rate paid if a loan was carried at that rate for a full 12 months. Sometimes rates can change over the term of your loan; make sure you’re comparing rates over the time period you plan to keep the loan. Term Length of the loan. WSJ PRIME Rate The Wall Street Journal surveys 30 large banks about their current prime rate, which is the rate at which they lend money to their qualified customers. (1)  The PRIME rate is then used by many financial institutions to determine their rate for lending money to customers.  All-In Price This is the fully loaded cost of a product, including the financing cost. [READ: How to Purchase Inputs with an Input Loan or Operating Line of Credit] When comparing financing options, it’s important to look at things like rate and term to get a true idea of which program will work best for you.  Think about when you’ll be ready to pay for your inputs and calculate the overall cost of what you will pay between the time you purchase and the time you’ll be paying. You should also check to see if financing is available on all products and if you have to bundle specific products to be eligible. New Customer Financing Program If you’re new to FBN or have not recently ordered from FBN Direct®, take advantage of the New Customer Financing Program .  You could get 0% financing for 30 days from the date of your first qualifying purchase, plus the ability to lock in 0% interest through August 31, 2023 by spending a minimum $20,000 on all product categories or $5,000 on livestock products within 30 days of your first purchase. ( Terms and conditions apply; see program information for details. ) [VIEW: The FBN 2023 Crop Protection Guide] Source: https://www.bankrate.com/rates/interest-rates/wall-street-prime-rate/ Copyright © 2014 - 2023 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, “Farmers Business Network”, “FBN”, “FBN Direct” are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. *Terms and conditions apply. Price subject to change. Terms and conditions apply. FBN Finance, LLC commercial operating lines of credit are offered by FBN Finance, LLC and its financing partners, and are available only where FBN Finance, LLC is licensed. Terms and conditions apply. All credit is subject to approval and underwriting and additional documents may be required to verify information on your application. Interest rates and fees will vary depending on your individual situation. Not all applicants will qualify. Equipment financing provided by Ritchie Bros. Financial Services, Ltd. and TCF National Bank. Land financing provided in connection with Farmer Mac. Input financing provided in connection with our financing partners. To qualify for a financing offer, a borrower must be a member of Farmer’s Business Network, Inc. and meet the underwriting requirements of FBN Finance, LLC and its lending partners. All credit is subject to approval and underwriting. Interest rates and fees will vary depending on your individual situation. Not all applicants will qualify. FBN Direct products and services and other products distributed by FBN Direct are offered by FBN Inputs, LLC and are available only in states where FBN Inputs, LLC is licensed and where those

The Federal Reserve met today to set rates and as our FBN® experts predicted last week, the Fed increased rates by 25 basis points, slowing its aggressive strategy of higher rate increases.  The Fed points to modest growth in spending and production, robust job gains in recent months, low unemployment and inflation easing (but still elevated) in their decision to raise rates by only 25 basis points. (1) “Consumer spending appears to be expanding at a subdued pace in part reflecting tighter financial conditions over the past year. Activity in the housing sector continues to weaken largely reflecting higher mortgage rates. Higher interest rates and slower output growth also appear to be weighing on business fixed investment. Although inflation has moderated recently. It remains too high. The longer the current bout of high inflation continues, there is a greater chance that expectations of higher inflation will become entrenched,” said Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell in an afternoon press conference.  Inflation has been a main topic of conversation over the last year. As you see in the latest US Inflation Report chart below, we continue to see moderate relief across different segments of the economy. [ Land Loans 101: Everything Farmers Need to Know About Securing Farm Land Financing is a new guide designed to demystify farm land loans and the loan application process.] Click here to enlarge the image. While inflation has continued to decrease over the past few months, we are seeing predictions that interest rates will continue to rise and peak in May before they come back down later in 2023. Even with the potential of rates decreasing later this year, the economy continues to be unpredictable and volatile.  Don’t miss out on a piece of agricultural land due to rates. With FBN Finance you have the opportunity to purchase your land now and refinance when rates may be more favorable. Looking forward As the market continues to fluctuate with unpredictable volatility, it may be confusing and complicated when determining the best path forward for financing. And when land becomes available, it’s not always easy to sit and weigh your options of buying or not buying now.  That’s why our customized financing options provide you the flexibility to decide your next move. Locking in a rate for 5 years to 15 years with variable rates may make sense if you’re planning to refinance or purchase more land in the near future. But if you’re looking for a more stable and predictable option with your payments and budgeting, you may want to consider a fixed rate that starts at 10 years.  No matter what situation you’re in,  FBN Finance is here to help you better understand the options available to make you feel confident in your decision. Solutions to grow your business We aim to make financing for family farmers simple and affordable. Every farmer has a unique situation therefore we provide a variety of options that may be useful in managing or growing your operation: Operating lines Operating lines will help you fund your operation as you see fit. There is no need to drive to the bank or wait days for your approval, with FBN Finance you can apply entirely online and receive a decision instantly. Learn more or apply today and or learn more.  Once you have your line, you can easily use it to pay for FBN inputs in our Direct store . Land loans Even though rates are high, the market is predicting they will rise even higher. Now may still be a good time to purchase that Ag land you have your eyes on. We want to help you finance your expansion, apply for a land loan now . Farmland Capital Farmland Capital provides you the capital you need without impacting your original loan. Learn more here or start your application today . Sources:  Federal Reserve Press Release Minutes from the January 2023 Federal Reserve Meeting Disclaimer: The material provided is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, business, legal, investment or professional advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner, or investment manager. Neither Farmer's Business Network, Inc. nor any of its affiliates makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in the material and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed. Financing offered by FBN Finance, LLC and its lending partners. Terms and conditions apply. To qualify, a borrower must be a member of Farmer’s Business Network, Inc. and meet all underwriting requirements. Interest rates and fees will vary depending on your individual situation. Not all applicants will qualify. Copyright © 2014 - 2023 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, “Farmers Business Network”, “FBN”, “FBN Direct”  are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc.

Utilizing the right financing options available is incredibly important to all farming operations. Having the right financing in place is key to ensuring that your operation runs smoothly and is financially stable. As such, the relationship between an ag operation and its lender is quite important. While working with a single lender for all of your financing needs can build a strong and effective working relationship, there are real benefits to working with several lenders that should not go overlooked. Here are six advantages of why you may want to work with multiple lenders:  Having a Backup Lender Ready : If something were to change at your primary lender that could impact or alter the terms of your financing agreements, it can be very beneficial to have another lender with whom you are already familiar in order to make any necessary pivots. Multiple Experts: One of the most undervalued products lenders provide is advice. The more lenders that you interact with, the more wisdom you will have access to. Increased Flexibility : Maintaining multiple lending relationships provides a greater variety of options and overall flexibility. Because not all lenders carry the same offerings, having access to numerous lenders increases the avenues to capital at your disposal. Lender Specialty : Various lenders have different focuses, whether it be on operating loans , equipment, land loans , other capital opportunities or a specific industry. Borrowing from specialized lenders can be a good way to ensure you are getting the best solution for your unique needs. Varying Structures and Offerings : Different lenders will offer different rate and term options on their products. Working with multiple lenders can empower you to find what fits your operation the best.  Competition : Having multiple lending relationships allows you to obtain the best possible financing. If a lender wants your business and senses you are talking to other options they are likely to enhance their offer to you in the hope that you will work with them. Choosing who you work with to finance your operation is very important. At FBN ® Finance , it is our mission to maximize the potential of your operation.  Our loan advisor team would be happy to talk to you about your current farm finances, any opportunities for optimization, or any other questions you want to discuss. With an average of 15+ years of Ag finance experience, FBN loan advisors understand your needs, as many are farmers themselves! They are well-equipped to make sure you get the solution that best fits your needs.  Click here or complete the form below to get started. Copyright © 2014 - 2023 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, and “FBN” are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc.  Terms and conditions apply. FBN Finance, LLC commercial operating lines of credit are offered by FBN Finance, LLC and are available only where FBN Finance, LLC is licensed. Equipment financing provided by Ritchie Bros. Financial Services, Ltd. and TCF National Bank. Land financing provided in connection with Farmer Mac. Input financing provided in connection with our financing partners. To qualify for a financing offer, a borrower must be a member of Farmer’s Business Network, Inc. and meet the underwriting requirements of FBN Finance, LLC and its lending partners. All credit is subject to approval and underwriting. Interest rates and fees will vary depending on your individual situation. Not all applicants will qualify.

The Federal Reserve is poised to meet once again on January 31 to set rates. Kicking off 2023 with the possibility of another rate hike increase seems like déjà vu at this point.  Our FBN® experts have been closely monitoring interest rates over the past year. With this meeting, our experts are predicting a smaller increase of 25 basis points.  According to Kevin McNew, Chief Economist at FBN, “What makes this interesting, is the market is factoring in things the Fed says it won't do. For example, the markets expect the Fed to start easing rates in November and December 2023, but the Fed has stated it won't be doing that. So if the Fed sticks to its script, then the market could be in for some big moves as a result.” McNew says the market thinks the economic indicators will cool faster (with the possibility of collapse) more than the Fed. And due to that, there are divergent views on what the state of the economy will look like in 2023.  [Learn more about how the economic shocks of 2022 are affecting farmland values in our recent FBN Research report. Unlock the free report today .] Interest rates highest since 2008 Source: U.S. Treasury What it means for farmers With interest rates at the highest they’ve been since 2008 and inflation reaching a 40-year high in June of last year, it appears that 2023 will continue to be a volatile year. Rates have started to decline as we start the new year. With the 30 year fixed being the lowest it has been since September 2022, now may be a good time for purchasing farm land real estate before the rates potentially increase again. “I think the drop in 10 and 30-year rates from October to now is reflecting the market's expectation that rates will start to back down in late 2023. But if they are wrong and the Fed sticks to its script to keep rates high into 2024, then those rates should rebound,” said McNew. With some unpredictability still expected, locking in a shorter term rate may be a viable option. Locking in a shorter term rate now still gives you the flexibility to refinance and take advantage of lower interest rates if they start to drop. Solutions to grow your business Every farmer has a unique situation and we aim to make financing for family farmers simple and affordable. We provide a variety of options that may be useful in managing or growing your operation: Operating lines Operating lines can help you fund your operation as you see fit. You could receive an instant decision on loans up to $1M. Learn more about how an operating line could benefit your operation. Land loans With rates seeing some relief lately, now may still be a good time to purchase that ag land you have your eyes on. We want to help you finance your ag land, apply for a land loan now . Farmland Capital Farmland Capital provides you the capital you need without impacting your original loan. Learn more here or start your application today . Disclaimer: The material provided is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, business, legal, investment or professional advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner, or investment manager. Neither Farmer's Business Network, Inc. nor any of its affiliates makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in the material and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed. Financing offered by FBN Finance, LLC and its lending partners. Terms and conditions apply. To qualify, a borrower must be a member of Farmer’s Business Network, Inc. and meet all underwriting requirements. Interest rates and fees will vary depending on your individual situation. Not all applicants will qualify. Copyright © 2014 - 2023 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, “Farmers Business Network”, “FBN”, “FBN Direct” are trademarks or registered trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. Products sold or distributed through FBN Direct are offered by FBN Inputs, LLC and are available only in states where FBN Inputs, LLC is licensed and where those products are registered for sale or use, if applicable. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration status. FBN Direct pharmacy products and services are offered by FBN Pharmacy LLC and are available only in states where FBN Pharmacy LLC is licensed. Terms and conditions apply.

Financing farm equipment for your operation involves a lot of decision making. Having the right equipment can make a huge impact on your operation. Obtaining farm equipment and machinery for your operation can represent a significant cost in your budget. But having the right equipment can help you more effectively manage your bottom line whether you’re growing your own crops, or offering professional services like custom application, spraying, aerial imagery, consulting and more.  When it’s time for financing, you’ll want to weigh the options of buying versus leasing equipment. Buying Farm Equipment Here are some reasons why you may want to purchase your own equipment: Buying is a good option if you plan to keep the machine long-term If you have a preference for ownership New equipment can be very expensive so buying is a good alternative if you’re looking for an older piece of equipment Leasing Farm Equipment Here are some reasons why you may want to lease equipment: Want to have the newest equipment with the latest technology Are looking to lower your fixed costs Don’t want to be locked into a long-term contract. A typical lease lasts from 24-36 months  Want to reduce the repair costs and potential downtime of using older equipment Want to know your specific cost per acre Ready to apply for a farm equipment loan? No matter which approach you take, we’re here to help your operation grow with flexible financing solutions on most ag-related products. Connect with a Loan Advisor today to get a quote. [Use the form at the bottom of this page to learn more about farm equipment loans from FBN® Finance.] Copyright © 2014 - 2023 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, and “FBN” are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. The material provided is for information purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific legal or professional advice. Neither Farmer’s Business Network nor any of its affiliates makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in the material and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed.  Financing offered by FBN Finance, LLC and its lending partners. Terms and conditions apply. To qualify, a borrower must be a member of Farmer’s Business Network, Inc. and meet all underwriting requirements. Interest rates and fees will vary depending on your individual situation. Not all applicants will qualify.

Closing a traditional land loan is a long process. It may take between 60-90 days to close, often delayed by the time it takes to complete an appraisal. This timeline can create issues for many potential buyers, especially if they are working with a seller on a tight timeline, at an auction, or competing with full cash buyers. At FBN® Finance we understand these challenges. As part of our continued efforts to put Farmers First®, we are excited to announce a new offering that expands our suite of financial products to better serve our customers: the bridge loan .  What Is a Bridge Loan? A bridge loan is an expedited land loan that allows borrowers to secure financing and thus close on land purchases often on a much shorter timeline than more traditional land loans . The bridge loan acts as a “pre-approval” and will allow the buyer to act similar to a cash buyer.  With a bridge loan from FBN Finance , a buyer could close on a purchase in as little as 3 weeks* as opposed to potentially up to 3 months. This product is a powerful tool for buyers who are facing tight timelines on potential land purchases and want to be as competitive as possible. Additionally, the potential to close quicker is a strong negotiating tool and may allow a buyer to get a better price on their purchase. [CURRENT RATES: Click here to see the latest FBN Finance farm land loan rates.] What Differentiates a Bridge Loan from Other Financing Options?  Unlike other loan types, bridge loans offer:  Shorter term timelines, no longer than 6 months. (Once completed, your loan advisor will help you transition this loan to a traditional loan once the appraisal has been completed.*) Loan amounts up to $2,000,000 Up to 60% LTV Note that in order to be considered for a bridge loan, a buyer must be eligible for a traditional land loan.  Apply for a Bridge Loan from FBN Finance If a bridge loan sounds like the right fit for your ag operation’s needs, complete the form at the bottom of this page or click here to get in touch with a member of our team   The loan advisor team at FBN Finance is here to help. With an average of 15+ years each in Ag finance experience, FBN Finance loan advisors are available to talk you through any questions you may have on the bridge loan as well as all facets of the land loan process. We strive to help you find the solution that best fits your needs. Copyright © 2014 - 2023 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, and “FBN” are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc.  *Length of time necessary to complete the financing process will vary and depend on one’s individual circumstances. *Subject to approval and underwriting. Terms and conditions apply. Land financing offered by FBN Finance, LLC, provided in connection with Farmer Mac and our underwriting partners, and is available only where FBN Finance, LLC is licensed. To qualify, a borrower must be a member of Farmer’s Business Network, Inc., and meet the underwriting requirements of FBN Finance, LLC and its lending partners. All credit is subject to approval and underwriting. Interest rates and fees will vary depending on your individual situation. Not all applicants will qualify.

Applying for an Ag land loan can feel like a complicated process. How long will it take to apply for a land loan? What documentation do I need to provide for a land loan? Will I have to spend hours looking for documents?  Here at FBN we want to make the land loan application process as streamlined and simple as possible for you, so you can spend your time where it should be spent: on your operation.  Below, you’ll find a list of the documents you will typically need to provide in the application process*: Initial Documentation : Driver’s License or Government-Issued ID Entity Documents, if applicable (depending on the type of entity involved, this may include: Articles of Organization, Articles of Incorporation, Operating Agreement, By-laws, Partnership Agreement, Trust Documents, etc.) Current Balance Sheet for all borrowers and entities 3 years of tax returns for all borrowers and entities Legal Description / Parcel ID on all land to be used as collateral Supplementary Documentation (Needed upon request) : Projection / Crop Budget Crop Insurance Information Verification (statements) of liquid assets and liabilities from the balance sheet [ACCESS THE FREE GUIDE: Ag Land Loans 101: Everything Farmers Need to Know About Securing Farm Land Financing ] Land Loans from FBN Finance If you’re considering applying for a land loan, the loan advisor team at FBN Finance is here to help. With an average of 15+ years each in Ag finance experience, FBN loan advisors are ready to talk you through all facets of the real estate loan process and are well equipped to make sure you get the solution that best fits your needs.  If you are ready to complete your land loan application independently, FBN Finance has a straightforward online application for Ag land loans which will guide you through the process. You will be able to securely and simply upload all of these support documents during the application process. Once complete you will receive a decision in as little as 48 hours. Copyright © 2014 - 2023 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, and “FBN” are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc.  *This is a non-exhaustive list. There may be situations in which additional or updated documentation will be required.  Terms and conditions apply. Land financing offered by FBN Finance, LLC, provided in connection with Farmer Mac and our underwriting partners, and is available only where FBN Finance, LLC is licensed. To qualify, a borrower must be a member of Farmer’s Business Network, Inc., and meet the underwriting requirements of FBN Finance, LLC and its lending partners. All credit is subject to approval and underwriting. Interest rates and fees will vary depending on your individual situation. Not all applicants will qualify.

As the holidays wind down and the new year approaches, it’s a time for hopeful plans. But in the midst of all the cheer you face a looming responsibility—tax season.  It’s a time of year most of us don’t look forward to—gathering receipts, remembering what expenses we had (but may have forgotten to write down!), preparing financial information for banks and lenders, budgeting for the coming year and making that appointment to meet with your CPA. This can all feel quite overwhelming! Here’s how you can prepare yourself for the tax deadline Every farming operation is different when it comes time to tax planning. Farmers should work with their accountant or advisor on determining the next best steps to take and what makes sense for their operation. “There are a lot of strategies farmers have for tax planning. Being very forward thinking and not thinking one year at a time is a good strategy. Commodity prices have been very good this year and it looks like they're going to continue to be good for the near term which will allow some profitability to hopefully continue over the next year or two. Farmers really need to be thinking about how this looks long-term for them. Making the right decisions right now will both protect their working capital and put their operation in the best position forward from a tax standpoint,” says TJ Wilson, Director of Sales for FBN® Finance.  Here are the top five ways to prepare for tax time: 1. Identify sources of receipts  During the year you receive money, property and/or services from many sources. Your records can identify the source of your receipts. You need this information to separate farm from non-farm receipts and taxable from nontaxable income. This helps your accountant properly report this information to the IRS. Gather your revenue receipts, invoices, checkbook and bank statements. You can use a simple code to delineate these items—such as “B” for business, “P” for personal and “?” for things you might be unsure about. This simple process will help your accountant quickly summarize information and figure out those with a “?”. 2. Flag business and personal expenses  You want to get the greatest tax deduction possible, so you also need to identify all business expenses. You can use the same process as above—gather any expense receipts, credit card statements and your checkbook, and then take a few minutes to categorize expenses. This will make the process go much more quickly with your accountant—and may jog your memory as to anything you might have otherwise been overlooked. 3. Prepare financial statements  Typically, financial statements have at least two components: a profit and loss (or income) statement and a balance sheet. If you’ve completed the above two steps, you’ll already have most of the information for the income statement. However, it’s also helpful to collect income information reported to you by other people – such as an employer (on Form W-2), a bank (typically on Form 1099-INT), the government (on Form 1099-G), or a cooperative (on a Form 1099-PATR). Typically these come in around the end of January. Additionally, you should set aside the following: bank statements as of December 31; purchase documents for equipment, trucks, livestock, etc.; and closing documents for any assets you purchased with a loan. This information, along with the income and expenses you identified in steps one and two, will aid in preparing complete and accurate financial statements. 4. Complete other tax information  In addition to completing your tax returns, almost everyone who receives income from you also must prepare their own tax return. If you had people working for you during the year, you need to report to those people the amounts you paid to them for their services. For example, if someone worked for you as an employee, you’ll need to report the wages you paid to them on a W-2 and if you paid a contractor or service provider, you may need to send a Form 1099 to them. Again, your accountant can help you with filing the forms. 5. Keep supporting items for your tax return  For this last step, the good news is you really don’t have to do much of anything! This is what the IRS would tell us: “You must keep your business records available at all times for inspection…If the IRS examines any of your tax returns, you may be asked to explain the items reported. A complete set of records will assist in the examination.” File paper items in a place for safekeeping and organize corresponding digital files as well. This way, you’ll have the information if you need to access it in the future. Bonus Tip: Deadlines To Remember Here are some of the important tax deadlines directly from the IRS for farmers to remember going into 2023: Tax Payment Deadline For Farmers Operating in the Calendar Year The tax payment deadline is January 17, 2023 The filing deadline is March 1, 2023 Tax Payment Deadline For Farmers Operating in a Fiscal Year The tax payment deadline is by the 15th day after the end of your tax year The filing deadline is the 1st day of the 3rd month after the end of your tax year Additional IRS Resources Farming and Fishing Income Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals (see page 3) Farmer's Tax Guide (For use in preparing 2022 Returns) Forms & Publications to Assist Farmers Copyright © 2014 - 2022 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, “Farmers Business Network” and “FBN” are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc.  *Financing offered by FBN Finance, LLC and its lending partners and is available only where FBN Finance, LLC is licensed. Terms and conditions apply. To qualify, a borrower must be a member of Farmer’s Business Network, Inc. and meet all underwriting requirements of FBN Finance, LLC and its lending partners. Interest rates and fees will vary depending on your individual situation. Not all applicants will qualify.

With the Federal Reserve meeting today to set rates, we’re entering all too familiar territory to end 2022. While our FBN® experts recently predicted that farmers should brace for another increase in interest rates, it comes as no surprise that a fifth increase in less than 8 months was announced.  With an increase of only 50 basis points, the Fed is slowing its aggressive approach to rate hike increases. With recent inflation showing signs of slowing down, some experts are speculating that inflation is slowing more quickly than expected but there is still work to be done. “The statement by Fed Chair Powell suggests there is still a long way to go before we see interest rates pulling back. A modest downgrade in inflation is positive, but recent readings at 7%, well above the 2% Fed target. suggest a stiff headwind for the Fed as they fight systemic inflation in food & energy prices. Furthermore, the labor market still remains strong with low unemployment and recent job gains,” said Kevin McNew, Chief Economist at FBN . Click here to enlarge the image. While the Fed is intent on bringing inflation down, the economy will continue to be unpredictable and volatile. Despite volatility, it’s still a good time for farmers to evaluate their financing options.  [Learn more about how the economic shocks of 2022 are affecting farmland values in our recent FBN Research report. Unlock the free report today .] What it means for farmers Our experts still strongly recommend looking at farm land as an investment. Farm land real estate will continue to be a good long-term investment if rates start to drop. Choosing a lender that will not only allow you to buy now and refinance later without penalizing you for prepayments is a smart strategy for financing options. If and when rates do drop, you will have confidence knowing FBN® Finance does not have prepayment penalties. Our goal is to always help your operation remain flexible and profitable.  Locking in for a shorter 7-10 year rate may be a good option for farmers who view the markets as unpredictable. Locking in a shorter term rate now has the potential benefit of being able to refinance and take advantage of lower interest rates in the future. If this is the right option for  you, our competitive land loan and operating line rates offer flexible term options.  Looking forward As the market continues to fluctuate with unpredictable volatility, it may be confusing and complicated when determining the best path forward for financing. And when land becomes available, it’s not always easy to sit and weigh your options of buying or not buying now.  That’s why our customized financing options provide you the flexibility to decide your next move. Locking in a rate for 5 years to 15 years with variable rates may make sense if you’re planning to refinance or purchase more land in the near future. But if you’re looking for a more stable and predictable option with your payments and budgeting, you may want to consider a fixed rate that starts at 10 years.  No matter what situation you’re in, FBN Finance is here to help you better understand the options available to make you feel confident in your decision. Solutions to grow your business We aim to make financing for family farmers simple and affordable. Every farmer has a unique situation therefore we provide a variety of options that may be useful in managing or growing your operation: Operating lines Operating lines will help you fund your operation as you see fit. With inflation impacting everyone, capitalizing on FBN’s special offer of 0% interest* on inputs may help you maximize your profit potential. Get 0% interest on FBN Direct® inputs purchased by January 20, 2023. Apply today and get your approval decision instantly.  Once you have your line, you can easily use it to pay for FBN inputs in our Direct store . Land loans Even though rates are high, the market is predicting they will rise even higher. Now may still be a good time to purchase that Ag land you have your eyes on. We want to help you finance your expansion, apply for a land loan now . Farmland Capital Farmland Capital provides you the capital you need without impacting your original loan. Learn more here or start your application today . Source: Minutes from the December 2022 Federal Reserve Meeting Copyright © 2014 - 2022 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, “Farmers Business Network” and “FBN” are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc.  *Financing offered by FBN Finance, LLC and its lending partners and is available only where FBN Finance, LLC is licensed. Terms and conditions apply. To qualify, a borrower must be a member of Farmer’s Business Network, Inc. and meet all underwriting requirements of FBN Finance, LLC and its lending partners. Interest rates and fees will vary depending on your individual situation. Not all applicants will qualify.

A farm land loan from FBN® Finance is a mortgage on any land that is used for agricultural purposes. This includes farms, ranches, bare land, timberland and hunting land as well as improvements.  Choosing who you want to partner with when exploring your Ag land loan options is an incredibly important decision. The FBN Finance team offers real value and service to our farmers to give you the confidence that you’ve made the right decision to partner with us. There are a number of reasons to work with FBN Finance on your farm land loan , including: Great rates With FBN Finance you can feel confident that you are getting a great rate. We are often able to save customers thousands due to our low overhead, competitive rates and nationwide network. Convenient and secure process Our straightforward online application will likely save you time and provide you with the right tools to track your application's progress. In some cases, you may receive your decision in as little as 48 hours. Additionally, our product and engineering team works hard to ensure your information remains secure and private, as trust is paramount in this process. Exceptional service We are dedicated to family farmers. We work with you to provide creative solutions to your financing needs, approaching every farmer’s situation uniquely and never with a cookie-cutter recommendation. Accessibility is also key for us. We provide multiple channels to interact with us so you can communicate in the way that works best for you. Deep industry experience Our team of 35+ loan advisors, analysts and closers has an average of 15 years of Ag finance experience and look forward to utilizing their expertise to improve your experience. Additionally, we understand your business, as many of our Ag finance professionals are producers themselves! Significant network benefits FBN Finance is focused on serving farmers and their needs. Whether that’s through other financing options such as operating lines , equipment loans or Farmland Capital . We also offer insurance and crop marketing services and Direct input purchases - we are here to be one-stop-shop for all your needs! Whether you are actively looking for farm land financing, or just want to learn more about what we offer, reach out to us today! Our team would love the opportunity to learn more about your operation and how we can help you. [ACCESS THE FREE GUIDE: Ag Land Loans 101: Everything Farmers Need to Know About Securing Farm Land Financing ] Ready to apply for a farm land loan? Click here to start your application or complete the form below to have a member of our FBN Finance team guide you through the process.  Copyright © 2014 - 2022 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, and “FBN” are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc.  Terms and conditions apply. Land financing offered by FBN Finance, LLC, provided in connection with Farmer Mac and our underwriting partners, and is available only where FBN Finance, LLC is licensed. To qualify, a borrower must be a member of Farmer’s Business Network, Inc., and meet the underwriting requirements of FBN Finance, LLC and its lending partners. All credit is subject to approval and underwriting. Interest rates and fees will vary depending on your individual situation. Not all applicants will qualify.