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Ag Top Tip #1

Alex McCabe, Agribusiness Loan Officer in Ridgeway

“The best thing you can do is find a financial partner who not only knows the industry but understands your goals,” says Alex. “It’s important to establish and discuss long-term goals so your lender can help you stay focused on accomplishing where you want to be. Every operation is different, and each decision has the power to move your operation forward or set it back.”

Ag Top Tip #2

Austin Hrdlicka, Agribusiness Loan Officer in Cresco

"When you give your lender the full picture of your operation, you’re setting yourself up for better options,” says Austin. “The more they understand how you operate and where you want to go, the better they can tailor a plan that works for you."

Ag Top Tip #3

Cody Carolan, Agribusiness Loan Officer in Ridgeway

“If agriculture is your livelihood, your bank should live in that world too,” says Cody. “An ag-rooted lender brings shared values, fewer explanations, and confidence when it matters most.”

Ag Top Tip #4

Doug McCabe, Agribusiness Loan Officer in Cresco

“Treat your farm as a business… not just a lifestyle by maintaining accurate and up to date records,” says Doug. “This allows your lender to assess the true profitability of the operation by identifying which areas (e.g., fields, farms, and entities) are genuinely profitable and those areas which may need improvement.”

Bonus Tip!

"Analyze capital purchases," says Doug. "Before taking on new debt for equipment or land, calculate if the investment will generate enough cash flow to pay for itself, rather than relying on existing income."

Ag Top Tip #5

Josh Dodd, Agribusiness Loan Officer in Osage

"Communication and teamwork are vital. Whether things are going well or the operation is facing challenges, you need to maintain open communication. This means expectations should be shared in both directions, meaning from leadership and to leadership," says Josh. "Another huge piece of the puzzle is establishing a true team approach to the farm business. It takes time, but surrounding the producer with a strong supporting cast makes a big difference. Your accountant or CPA, attorney, and banker are all part of that team, and they need to be on the same page to grow and move an operation forward, especially in the today's farm economy.”

Ag Top Tip #6

Kevin Janssen, Wealth Manager

“One important piece that is often overlooked in a successful farm operation is a proper succession plan in the event of retirement, injury, or even death," says Kevin. "Teaming up with a bank (like CUSB!) that offers this in addition to their lending expertise can protect against the business plan being derailed.”