The Western U.S. differs from the rest of the country in many ways. The West, especially California, is one of the most productive places in...
PLAN BUDGETS WITH FUNDAMENTALS, NOT GOVERNMENT PAYMENTS
Government payments can throw a wrench in long-term budget planning. The last month of 2019 saw signs that there is life in the ag economy....
You Never Get a Second Chance to Make a First Impression
You have all heard the expression “You Never Get a Second Change to Make a First Impression.” It has been attributed to Oscar Wilde and...
Tips to Improving Your Long-Term Financing Position
At some point in your ag business career you are likely to seek long-term financing for your operation. Reasons may vary from purchase money to...
PERMANENT CROPS AS REAL ESTATE COLLATERAL – 4 TIPS TO CONSIDER
In the more temperate climates of the West, there are millions of acres of permanent crops. Nut crops, vineyards and tree fruit dot the landscape...
CREATING A LONG-TERM BUSINESS PLAN
THREE STEPS TO A SOLID LONG-TERM PLAN FOR YOUR OPERATION Ask the right questions and think like a lender when assessing your business’s viability. Planning...
DON’T LET OPTIMISM GET IN THE WAY OF GOOD FINANCIAL DECISIONS
Farmers are eternal optimists, and rightfully so. Raising a crop takes a lot of hope. Planting a seed in the ground, tending it for months...
FINANCING FARMLAND
BUYING FARMLAND? HERE ARE THREE TIPS TO GET IT FINANCED Financial awareness and adaptability are important to ag lenders. In a challenging marketplace like the...
KNOW YOU CREDIT SCORE
Preferential financing options grow with stronger credit scores. It’s a simple three-digit number that can make a difference worth thousands of dollars in how you...
How’s Your Farm’s Liquidity?
Think short-and long term to strengthen your farm's financial footing. A trio of factors continue to increase financial stress on a lot of farms around...