Business Ventures

If you are a full or part-time farmer, we provide loans and leases for a business or other venture not directly related to agriculture. In today’s economy, many producers are seeking ways to diversify their income and assets. FCS has made loans to farmers for many purposes, including:

• building a veterinary clinic
• investing in a small manufacturing facility
• purchasing a restaurant
• building a hotel or condominium

A full-time farmer can obtain financing for these projects to if they derive 50% of their income from agriculture or if 50% or more of your total assets (land, buildings, and machinery) are ag based.  Some restrictions apply when a farmer becomes more diversified. For example, if off-farm enterprises and assets reduce that ratio to less than 50%, the total amount of loans available for non-farm purposes may be lower.

Part-time farmers can obtain financing for non-agricultural purposes. Generally, loans are available for an amount up to, but not greater than, the total value of their ag assets (land, buildings, and equipment).

Financing for Farm Related Services

Financing is also available for a multitude of farm processing, servicing, and marketing related enterprises. This can include those who operate services such as custom application, milk hauling, trucking, or specialty services that meet the needs of ag businesses, such as nurseries and greenhouses. If what you do serves agriculture, there is a good chance we can help.

If you operate a business that processes some of your own agricultural products, FCS can provide loans and leases for equipment and expansions, needed operating capital, or long-term real estate financing.