Competitive rates on long-term fixed-rate financing options.
Meet the routine cash flow needs of your business and manage risk.
Quick and competitive financing for life’s needs from equipment to real estate improvement
Acquire flexibility and potential tax benefits.
Financing farm-related services such as custom application.
Integrated financial tools to move your business further.
Financing for purchasing equipment or refinancing equipment loans
Food and fiber debt syndications and investments.
Financing specialized for processors, manufacturers and distributors of food and agricultural goods.
Specialized financing for large-scale beef producers to stay competitive and manage, improve or enlarge their operations.
Financing options for large-scale dairy producers to embrace opportunities and overcome milk price hurdles the market can present.
Specialized financing for large, established poultry and egg producers that takes market swings and regulations into account.
Financing options for large-scale pork producers, integrators and processors to help manage and expand their operations.
Specialized financing for sawmills, wood processing operations and large timberland owners to achieve profitability.
The stories, people and programs that are making an impact in rural communities and agriculture.
Collaborating with businesses and others in the agricultural industry that passionately care about rural America.
Initiatives that contribute to the economic vibrancy of rural communities and agriculture.
Where agriculture meets business and expertise meets Insight.
Meet the people and explore the forces shaping the place you call home.
High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a real issue that is impacting producers across the country and in Farm Credit Mid-America’s service territory.
Recent cases have shown that the disease can impact large-scale commercial producers as well as backyard flocks. As of March 2, more than 1.64 million chickens and turkeys have been depopulated, according to the USDA.
“We know that the process of liquidating a flock and cleaning the facilities before another flock can be introduced is difficult,” says Troy Mason, Financial Officer in Jasper, Indiana. “We want our producers to know that we’re here to support them and work through that process if their flock is impacted.”
While avian bird flu has a limited life span – and usually occurs in the spring or fall as the weather changes – the impact to flocks in the U.S. can be significant. The 2015 outbreak impacted nearly 50 million birds across the Midwest.
“We encourage producers to follow the USDA’s guidance and take this time to review your biosecurity activities to ensure the health of your birds,” says Jarrod Crowder, Financial Officer in Henderson, Kentucky. A toolkit and other resources are available from the USDA here.
He adds that Farm Credit Mid-America’s team members understand the impact this has on customers. “We are familiar with the biosecurity issues our producers are taking, and we will not stop by to visit unannounced. We are committed to your success, and will provide service to you and your operation in the manner that fits you best.”
Here are additional steps producers should take:
There is support available for both producers and contract growers that will help cover a significant portion of the cost to disinfect and clean after a flock is infected, but these programs may not fully cover all related expenses.
“If you are anticipating negative financial impact as a result of a positive case of avian bird flu, it’s critical to talk to your financial officer soon and often,” says Troy. “Even if you haven’t been impacted, don’t hesitate to call us and begin a conversation about what is happening in the industry, and on your farm. We are here to work with you and identify the best financial solutions for your operation.”
Jarrod agrees. “There is a lot of volatility in the marketplace today, and we know our customers have plenty of concerns and challenges they’re facing this spring,” he says. “You don’t have face them alone. We’re here to stand with you through challenges like this one.”
Sources: