Farm Credit

Today, Farm Credit provides more than $167 billion in loans to over 500,000 borrowers, including farmers, ranchers, home owners, agricultural cooperatives, rural utility systems and agribusinesses. Overall, more than 25 percent of the credit needs of U.S. agriculture are met by Farm Credit institutions.

There are four regional Farm Credit Banks and an agricultural credit bank, CoBank, in the Farm Credit System. These banks provide funds and support services to over 80 locally owned Farm Credit associations and numerous cooperatives nationwide.

Unlike commercial banks, Farm Credit System banks and associations do not take deposits. Instead, loanable funds are raised through the sale of system-wide debt in the nation's capital markets. These funds are channeled back to rural America through the nationwide network of Farm Credit lending institutions.

Agricultural Credit Associations (ACAs), such as First Ag Credit, make loans for the purchase, improvement or refinancing of debt on real estate. They also provide financing for expenses associated with the production, processing and marketing of our nation's food and fiber, as well as for equipment, facilities and livestock.

All Farm Credit Banks and associations are governed by boards of directors elected by member-borrower/stockholders.