Losing Your Operating Credit and Loan Subordination
February 16, 2017
When an ag lender denies an operating loan for the next year and new funding sources are sought, a subordination agreement may be helpful in securing new credit while still laying out a payment plan for existing debt. Here’s what to consider.
Things To Consider Before Co-Signing A Loan
February 9, 2017
Parents co-signing loans for their children is common in agriculture. Traditionally, it has happened when a younger producer needs a loan for major purchases such as land, livestock, or farm equipment. Given current low crop prices and thin operating margins, parents also may be asked to guarantee payment of a child's debt when the younger producer is having difficulty repaying a loan. While no one wants to see a financial loss for their children, parents need to carefully consider the potential for losing a significant amount of their savings before signing on the bottom line.
Preparing for Farm Loan Renewal Time
January 10, 2017
Shortly before Christmas, I was watching a Christmas movie with my family about a farm family who was in jeopardy of losing the operation if they didn’t come up with the required payments by January 2. It made me wish the struggles of the real farm economy could be fixed in less than two hours. While this isn't possible, there are steps farmers can take to prepare for a meeting with their banker. This story outlines key points to consider.