Pathfinder Farm Blending More Than Military Grit and Farming Roots

Photos and story by Maria Listman

Perched near the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, just steps from well-known hiking trails, sits Pathfinder Farm. The 42-acre property in Keedysville, Maryland is more than preserved agricultural land — it’s the heart of a family-run distillery where military grit and a touch of adventure collide.

A unique red corn stretches across 25 acres. This special variety, known as bloody butcher, along with fresh spring water from the land, offers the perfect foundation for Pathfinder Farm’s moonshine, bourbons, and whiskey. Distilled in a former carriage house on the farm, every bottle reflects both authenticity and innovation.

Pathfinder Farm is powered by a family team — husband and wife veterans Nate and Natalie Kraft, and Nate’s sister, Liz Kraft Weiss, who is an Army Reservist currently called to active duty. Military service has shaped their discipline and determination, with Nate serving 10 years in the Navy, Natalie serving six years in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, and Liz being active in the Army since 2008.

Nate and Liz grew up near their grandparents and great-grandparents who had a farmette and instilled respect for hard work and a love of the land. When it came time to name their business venture, Pathfinder felt fitting — a nod to Nate’s time in the Boy Scouts, an acknowledgement to their Pennsylvania Dutch heritage where “scout” translates to Pathfinder in German, and a tribute to their location near the Appalachian Trail.

That pioneering spirit took root years earlier when Nate completed his time with the Navy. He and Natalie traded uniforms for adventure, purchasing a sailboat and setting off on a year-and-a-half long trip around Mexico with a baby on board. Their lifestyle was far removed from their upbringing but sparked new dreams.

When Liz flew in to visit during their travels, the three found themselves envisioning a shared future — one where family, agriculture and entrepreneurship converged.

“That’s when we started talking about how crazy our lives are compared to the way that we grew up,” says Liz. “We wondered how we could do something together.”

As their sailing journey came to an end, Nate and Natalie knew their next chapter needed to be rooted in the land. Nate dreamed of owning a farm, and with family members who dabbled in hobby distilling, the idea of growing their own corn and crafting spirits felt like the perfect fit. The plan began to take shape and when Liz returned from another Army deployment, she wanted in.

“If there’s a safe bet in the world, it’s these two,” Liz shares.

What started as a vision for a new way of life soon became a family venture. Natalie and Nate chose to settle down in Maryland and with support from Farm Credit, the family purchased their farm and equipment and started planting bloody butcher corn.

Known for its deep red color, the variety adds distinctive character to their craft beverages. From the beginning, they were committed to doing things with integrity — real fruit infused in jars, fresh spring water from their land, and spirits crafted with care. The first three moonshine flavors were chosen as a tribute to a family member’s favorites, tying the generations together.

“We like to say that we turn sunshine into moonshine, because we grow the corn and we make the whiskey ourselves,” expresses Nate.

Their small batches crafted during the pandemic quickly scaled into a professional operation. Now, they own and operate a tasting room and cocktail bar on Main Street in nearby Boonsboro. Guests can sample their top seller, Bloody Butcher Bourbon, which is Nate’s personal favorite. Or, they can sip on Liz’s pick, Daily Driver, and Natalie’s choice, Orange Cranberry Moonshine. The team is also developing ready-to-drink cocktails, giving people new ways to enjoy the farm’s flavors wherever they are.

Their small batches crafted during the pandemic quickly scaled into a professional operation. Now, they own and operate a tasting room and cocktail bar on Main Street in nearby Boonsboro. Guests can sample their top seller, Bloody Butcher Bourbon, which is Nate’s personal favorite. Or, they can sip on Liz’s pick, Daily Driver, and Natalie’s choice, Orange Cranberry Moonshine. The team is also developing ready-to-drink cocktails, giving people new ways to enjoy the farm’s flavors wherever they are.

You don’t have to look far to find Pathfinder Farm spirits in the community at local farmers markets and special events, where customers can meet them face-to-face and hear the story behind each bottle. Their products are also sold in over 90 stores throughout the state and ship to 45 states, providing plenty of ways to enjoy spirits that start on a local farm in Keedysville. Pathfinder Farm was recently named America’s Best Farmer Distiller Bourbon by the American Craft Spirits Association, a worthy recognition for a small-town distillery whose reach and reputation continue to grow far beyond Maryland.

Pathfinder Farm is more than a business — it’s a shared leap of faith, born at the sea and anchored in Maryland soil. It’s proof that service, adventure and family can come together to create something meaningful for their community.

Visit pathfinder.farm to learn more.
 

A Teenage Mistake Blossomed into a Lifelong Partnership and Thriving Maryland Farm

Photos and story by Andrea Haines

When Richard Addis of Bishopville, Maryland, was in tenth grade, a moment of frustration changed the course of his life. Tired of being provoked by a classmate on the school bus, he shoved the student and shattered a bus window. This incident brought him a bit of trouble, as well as a glimpse into what he later discovered to be his lifelong calling.

Richard’s mother suggested he work on the farm that the bus driver, Eugene, owned to make amends, and Eugene agreed. What began as punishment turned into mentorship, friendship, and eventually, a farming partnership.

“I was put to work knocking down sawdust in the chicken house corners, cleaning nests, and doing many chores,” Richard recalls. “I enjoyed the work. It reminded me of when I was younger and our neighbor would take me on tractor rides, which piqued my interest in farming, and it just grew from there.”

Eugene became more than a boss to Richard — he became a father figure. Richard credits him with teaching the fundamentals of farming, from planting to harvest planning. Even when Richard left in 2004 to serve in the U.S. Air Force, Eugene’s influence stayed with him. Stationed in South Carolina and working in Electronic Warfare Advanced Programs Division, Richard honed his skills in complex computer systems, leading him to work with NASA.

Those years of technical training proved invaluable when he returned to agriculture. “Tractors and machinery are just computers on wheels,” Richard says. His ability to diagnose equipment problems and even fix firmware bugs, like a faulty corn planter monitor, has saved time and money on the farm. The ability to transition from the service to civilian wasn’t hard for Richard as he always felt that he could continue his work, but in the fields.

Today, Richard and Eugene work side by side, farming about 380 acres of corn and soybeans. Eugene admires Richard’s fresh perspective, saying “He’s younger, more savvy, and brings skills I could never have imagined when I started out.”

Richard’s journey has taken him around the world, from various Air Force bases to South Korea, where he met his wife, Katie. Together, Richard and Katie are now raising three children — Annabelle, Emmitt, and Reese — on their farm.

Katie noticed the special bond between Eugene and Richard early on, and she doesn’t mind sharing her husband with his mentor. “Eugene and Richard are always up to something,” Katie shares. “They work long hours in the fields and can often be found having a bit of fun in the shop. Eugene has become an honorary grandfather to our kids, too.”

For Richard, farming isn’t just about crops. It’s about community, resilience, and carrying forward lessons from mentors like Eugene. Still, challenges remain. As a first-generation farmer, he cites the cost of entry and the scarcity of land as major hurdles.

“You’ve got to be creative,” Richard says. “Sometimes we’re what I call ‘highway farmers’, renting whatever land we can.”

Support from Farm Credit has been key in keeping the farm moving forward. “The customer service outweighs any discount you could get elsewhere,” Richard notes.

Doug Bennett, Farm Credit Ag Relationship Manager, has been one of many representatives that has helped guide the farm’s financial needs. Growing up on a vegetable farm himself, Doug understands the ups and downs of agriculture.

“That’s what makes Farm Credit different,” Doug shares. “It’s stable support in an unstable industry. We are able to assist where we can in a changing world.”

Richard often reflects on the unconventional start to his farming career. His advice to those hoping to follow a similar path? Find a mentor.

“You need someone in agriculture who’s willing to work with you or set a foundation for your plans,” says Richard. “That’s how you get started.”

For Richard, what began with broken glass has led to strong roots. With a mentor’s wisdom, a veteran’s technical skill, and the support of Farm Credit, his fields today stand as proof that unexpected beginnings can grow into lasting legacies.
 

How One Veteran Built a Thriving Timber Business

Photos and story by Andrea Haines

When Eric Abernathy left the U.S. Army, he carried with him discipline, adaptability, and an appreciation for structure. Those qualities later became the backbone of his success in forestry, where he carved out a career that balances business expertise with stewardship of the land.

Eric is the owner of Abernathy Forest Resources, LLC (AFR), which he launched in 2005 after working for another timber business and realizing he wanted to branch out on his own. With a degree in Forest Technology from Pennsylvania College of Technology, Eric combined his technical training with his love for the outdoors.

“I realized early on I’d rather be in the woods than in a classroom,” says Eric. “Now, I get to be a teacher in a different way, educating producers and clients about the types of logs and products we aim to provide.”

Starting AFR wasn’t easy. Eric refinanced his house and rental property, saving enough to make the downpayment needed to get the business moving. Traditional banks were hesitant to support a small, specialized forestry business, but Eric’s prior experience, reputation for hard work, and honesty persuaded suppliers to give him leniency while he built up momentum. “I was careful not to overreach,” he recalls. “Just close enough to what I needed to make it work.”

By 2006, AFR was exporting logs overseas. Today, Eric’s company ships to China, Vietnam, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Canada, to name a few. Each log is carefully selected, graded, barcoded, and tracked from supplier to yard and then shipping container. At home, Eric also owns Abernathy’s 179, which manages 393 acres of forest land in Pennsylvania and New York, giving his business both stability and the ability to supplement inventory when markets fluctuate.

When a company Eric once was prior employed at went bankrupt in 2007, it opened the door for AFR to grow. He hired a yard manager, brought in steady employees, including his father after retirement, and steadily expanded.

“The people around me have been a big part of the progress,” Eric notes. “It takes the right team to make it work. You have to have dependable people at the home base to be able to spend as much time on the road with customers as I do. I am lucky to have long-term employees in key positions that care about the success of the company as much as I do.”

Eric’s Army service played a pivotal role in shaping his adaptability. As a 54B Nuclear Biological Chemical Specialist, he trained soldiers in detection and safety. That experience gave him discipline, focus, and the ability to adapt quickly — skills he uses daily in forestry

“The timber business can be solitary,” he admits. “But it requires precision, patience, and the ability to communicate with landowners, loggers, and buyers. Those skills all channel from my military years.”

In 2018, Eric turned to Farm Credit for financing. Unlike big banks, Farm Credit understood forestry’s unique challenges and opportunities. Their flexible approach gave Eric the ability to invest in timberland for long-term stability.

“Forestry and farming are two sides of the same coin,” Eric says. “Sometimes you cut down to make room for new growth, and in the long run, the land is healthier. Farm Credit understood that, and it made all the difference.”

Eric Masters, Farm Credit Ag Relationship Manager, admires Eric’s thorough planning. “Having a detailed plan helps us move quickly to get customers the support they need,” he explains. “Eric comes prepared, which makes the partnership strong.”

Part of Eric’s success comes from his practicality. He hasn’t spent heavily on trucks or machinery — instead, he looks for reliable equipment that will get the job done without overspending. It’s another example of how his steady, disciplined approach keeps the business competitive.

Eric has also expanded his business in recent years to offer mulching and land clearing services, and partner with the Natural Resources Conservation Service to reduce invasive species. As he looks to the future, his vision is steady growth that is sustainable and supports both the forests and his community.

From soldier to forester and risk-taker to business owner, Eric Abernathy’s journey is proof that resilience and hard work can turn challenges into opportunities. With Farm Credit at his side, he’s continuing to grow a business rooted in longevity, discipline, and respect for the land.
 

Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT problem. It’s a personal and operational problem. During a recent Farm Credit webinar, cybersecurity expert John Sileo, President and CEO of The Sileo Group, shared how modern threats impact both individuals and agricultural businesses, and six steps you can take now to strengthen your protection.

1. Start by Making Cybersecurity Personal

Sileo’s own experience with identity theft underscores the need for individual vigilance. 
Key actions:

• Update your phone’s operating system monthly
• Use a strong alphanumeric passcode
• Treat your phone like a digital key—keep it locked and secure

Because 92% of cyberattacks come from human error, building personal awareness across family and employees is essential. For additional resources, visit the National Cybersecurity Alliance (staysafeonline.org) or the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure National Security Agency (cisa.gov).  

2. Strengthen Your “Hogwash Reflex”

Phishing attacks are now polished, personalized, and powered by AI. Don’t rely on spotting typos or odd email addresses and trust your instinct. Slow down and verify unexpected messages, especially those that are creating pressure, urgency, or confusion that cause you to think “hogwash.”

3. Identify Your “Invaluables”

You can’t protect everything equally. Decide what matters most and prioritize strategies that protect your most essential assets:  

• Critical personal and financial information 
  Be selective and intentional about who you share this information, especially with financial systems such as online banking accounts. Limit access to trusted parties and verify requests before providing sensitive details.
• Irreplaceable business data 
  Treat proprietary or operational data with care. Share it only when necessary, and ensure recipients follow proper security practices.
• Agricultural systems essential to daily operations 
  This includes irrigation controls, precision agriculture equipment, sensors, and automated systems. Change default passwords immediately, keep devices routinely updated, and ensure only authorized users can access them.

4. Focus on the Big 3 Cybersecurity Priorities

Sileo recommends focusing on three actions that prevent the most damage:

1. Multifactor authentication (or passkeys)
2. Regular software and security updating
3. A reliable backup plan (3-2-1 rule):  
   • 3 copies of data
   • 2 formats
   • 1 stored offsite

5. Get Expert Support When Needed

Cyber threats evolve too quickly to rely on outdated plans or do it yourself (DIY) security. Don’t hesitate to bring in professionals, even your local IT professionals, to ensure you’re using the most up-to-date forms of safety and security protocols. Routinely evaluate your practices to stay ahead of threats and bad actors.  

6. Treat Cybersecurity as Ongoing

Threats like deepfakes, AI driven scams, and voice cloning are advancing rapidly; it’s important to continuously adapt. Effective cybersecurity is never “finished.” Make fraud and cybersecurity education a priority for your business.  

Bottom Line

Cybersecurity is fundamentally a human issue. Stay personal, stay skeptical, protect what matters most, and keep evolving your defenses.

Explore more resources in our Cybersecurity Center, find upcoming events on our Webinars page, and read the latest updates in our Newsroom.
 

🔑 Key Takeaways from the Video

• Farmer bridge payments were designed for speed, not trade mitigation. Payments were calculated based on cost-of-production shortfalls to help producers navigate tight margins until ARC and PLC support becomes available later in 2026.
• Row crop margins remain under pressure, with policy clarity critical to demand. Biofuel policy decisions — including Renewable Volume Obligations, 45Z guidance, imported feedstocks, and year-round E15 — represent some of the most meaningful levers available to support corn and soybean demand.
• China remains difficult to replace as a soybean buyer. While progress is being made on purchase commitments, China’s scale creates ongoing uncertainty that complicates acreage decisions and long-term planning for producers.
• Wheat and cotton face the toughest outlooks. Ample global wheat supplies and intense export competition continue to weigh on prices, while cotton struggles with long-term demand erosion and competition from synthetic fibers.
• Livestock markets are supported by tight supplies — but not without risk. Strong cattle prices, consumer affordability concerns, trade access, and disease threats all intersect to influence herd rebuilding and long-term stability.
• The broader ag economy appears stable — but stalled. Without a new demand shock or meaningful policy shift, producers may remain in a familiar cycle of tight margins and cautious optimism.

2026 Outlook — A Market Searching for Its Next Spark

As the agricultural sector turns the calendar to 2026, former USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer, now leading the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute at the University of Missouri, offers a clear-eyed assessment of where farm economics stand — and why relief remains uneven across commodities. Speaking candidly, Meyer frames the current environment as one marked by tight margins, policy dependence, and an industry still waiting for its next meaningful demand catalyst.

At the center of the conversation are the farmer bridge payments announced just before year-end — designed to provide short-term support as producers navigate prolonged margin compression. Meyer explains that these payments were calculated not as trade mitigation, but as economic relief tied to cost-of-production shortfalls, using an ECAP-style framework to ensure speed of delivery. In his view, timing mattered as much as the dollars themselves: bridge payments only work if they arrive before producers are forced to make difficult financial decisions.

Looking beyond immediate assistance, Meyer highlights the broader transition underway — away from ad hoc disaster and emergency programs and back toward the traditional safety net provided by ARC and PLC. Whether that safety net proves sufficient, however, depends heavily on policy choices still unresolved in Washington. Biofuel policy, particularly decisions around Renewable Volume Obligations, 45Z tax credits, imported feedstocks, and year-round E15, emerges as one of the most significant levers available to support row crop demand in the near term. Without clarity, uncertainty continues to hang over corn and soybean balance sheets.

Trade remains another defining variable. While corn exports have performed relatively well without heavy reliance on China, soybeans tell a more complicated story. Meyer notes that China’s progress toward its soybean purchase commitments bears watching — but equally important is how U.S. soybeans compete globally as Brazilian supplies enter the market. The sheer scale of Chinese demand makes replacement difficult, creating instability that complicates acreage planning and long-term market confidence.

Among crops, Meyer is most cautious on wheat and cotton. Wheat faces abundant global supplies and aggressive competition from Black Sea exporters, keeping prices under pressure despite steady shipments. Cotton, meanwhile, struggles with long-term demand erosion driven by synthetic fiber competition and muted global consumption growth — challenges that trade improvements alone may not fully resolve.

Livestock presents a more nuanced picture. Tight cattle supplies continue to support strong prices, but Meyer emphasizes the delicate balance between maintaining producer profitability and addressing consumer price concerns. Policies affecting beef imports, plant access to China, and disease risks such as New World screwworm all factor into decisions that influence herd rebuilding and long-term stability. In dairy, expanding global milk production and slowing price momentum point to tighter margins ahead in 2026, even as beef-on-dairy continues to provide some income support.

“We go through these cycles where you come off a price spike and things are rough for several years — until the next shock comes along or we see a policy change that pulls us out of it.”
— Seth Meyer

Ultimately, Meyer characterizes the current ag economy as stable, but stuck. Prices may not deteriorate significantly further, but meaningful improvement likely depends on either a new demand shock or decisive policy action. Until then, producers remain in a familiar cycle — navigating tight margins, weighing risk carefully, and waiting for the next force capable of reshaping the market landscape.

Building or upgrading grain storage can boost your farm's efficiency, protect your crop quality, and give you more control over when and how you sell. But storage infrastructure is a big investment, and finding the right financing strategy is essential.

Why Grain Storage Matters

On-farm grain storage gives farmers more control. It reduces waste, keeps grain in better condition, and allows you to wait for stronger market prices instead of selling immediately after harvest.

Silos also improve logistics. With grain on hand, you can manage deliveries better, simplify harvest operations, and cut down on urgent transport costs. In short, grain storage means flexibility, higher value, and lower risk.

1. Asset Finance for Grain Silos

Asset finance lets you fund equipment purchases—like grain silos—without a large upfront cost. Instead, you make regular payments over time.

This approach:

• Helps preserve cash flow
• Aligns repayment with seasonal revenue
• Can offer flexible terms based on your farm's financials

To qualify, prepare solid financial documents—tax returns, balance sheets, and income statements. Be sure to compare providers for interest rates, fees, and agricultural expertise.

2. Commercial Loans

Traditional banks and ag-focused lenders offer commercial loans for storage projects. These loans can cover new buildings, upgrades, and even drying systems.

Requirements usually include:

• A detailed business plan
• Collateral
• Good credit history
• Flexibility/Feasibility
• More options (lease option)

3. Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL) Program

• The FSFL Program, offered through the USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA), helps farmers build or upgrade storage structures and equipment. Here's how it works:
• Loan amounts up to $500,000
• Terms from 3 to 12 years
• Interest rates from about 3.875% to 4.5%
• 15% down payment required
• Since 2000, over 33,000 FSFL loans have been approved. It's one of the most accessible options available—especially for small to mid-sized farms.

Lenders like Farm Credit specialize in these types of agricultural loans and can offer personalized terms based on your operation.

Key Considerations When Financing Storage

Before committing to a loan, think through the full picture:

Interest Rates and Terms

Rates can vary widely. Some loans are short-term (1–5 years), while others extend over a decade. Shop around and compare.

Total Cost of Ownership

Storage costs go beyond construction. You'll need to budget for:

• Insurance (~0.5% annually of the asset's value) - Contact your agent for an estimate.
• Repairs and maintenance (3–5% yearly for equipment) - Contact your dealership for an estimate.
• Property taxes – Contact your local township for an estimate.
• Depreciation – Contact your accountant for an estimate.

Understanding all expenses helps you choose the right size and scale of investment.

Ways to Maximize Your ROI

Smart storage investments can pay off over time. Here's how:

Maximize your Marketing Strategy.

• Sell when prices peak – Storage lets you wait out dips in the market.
• Avoid elevator delays – Keep operations smooth and timely during harvest.
• Reduce drying costs – Control the process in-house for better efficiency.
• Add property value – A well-planned storage setup increases long-term resale or rental appeal.

Application Process

To apply for financing:

1. Gather your financial documents – Up-to-date tax returns, balance sheets, and income statements.
2. Estimate your funding needs – Know what you want to borrow and why.
3. Choose a lender – Look for experience in ag financing and good customer support.
4. Submit your application – Many lenders assist with paperwork or offer online portals.

Alternatives: Leasing or Partnerships

If a loan isn't the right fit, consider:

• Leasing – Spread payments over time and avoid the upfront purchase cost.
• Partnerships – Share the cost and use of storage with other farmers or local co-ops.

Both options offer flexibility while keeping ownership costs low.

Final Thought

Grain storage gives you options—better crop quality, improved logistics, and stronger profits. With a clear financing plan, you can make that investment work for your farm's future. Contact us today to learn more about your financing options with Farm Credit.

Need new machinery for your farm but don’t have the cash upfront? A heavy equipment loan might be the answer.

What Is an Equipment Loan?

An equipment loan helps you buy equipment pieces needed for your operation like tractors, seeders, combines, or other heavy equipment machines. These loans spread out the cost, so you can get what you need now and pay it off over time. They're made for farmers who want to stay productive without draining their savings.

Main Types of Loans

There are a few loan options depending on your situation:

1. Operating Loans
   These cover general expenses—including buying livestock, or supplies. They’re flexible and often go up to $400,000. Good for smaller farms that need quick support.
2. Equipment Loans
   Designed specifically for buying or upgrading equipment. They usually last three to seven years. Many financing programs, like  Farm Credit EXPRESS offer options to purchase or lease new and used equipment.
3. Leasing
   Leasing lets you use the equipment without owning it. It's a way to keep costs low and still access modern technology. Plus, you can talk with your accountant about the potential tax advantages of a leasing payment. Maintenance is sometimes included, which can save you even more.

What You’ll Need to Qualify

Lenders look for a few basic things:

• A credit score of 600 or higher
• Clear, organized financial records
• Proof of steady income or revenue
• A business plan or other documentation
• Equipment often serves as collateral

Be honest about your finances. Lenders want to see you're reliable and upfront.

How to Prepare Your Application

Having your paperwork in order up front can speed the process along. Start with:

• Tax returns and cash flow statements
• Purchase agreements or leases
• Business licenses or registrations

If you’re applying through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), be ready to complete their specific forms. Starting early gives you more time to fix mistakes and collect what you need. FSA offers support if you need help with paperwork or understanding your options. Tools like accounting software can help you track everything in one place.

Picking the Right Lender

Don’t just go with the first name you find. Compare rates, loan terms, and customer service.

Some good places to start:

• Farm Credit EXPRESS– Known for competitive rates and flexible terms.
• Farm Credit– Specializes in agriculture-focused financing.

Each lender has pros and cons, so shop around. A better rate can save you thousands over the loan’s lifetime.

What the Application Process Looks Like

Applying for a loan usually includes:

1. Meeting with a loan officer or lender
2. Submitting your financial documents
3. Gettinga creditdecision—sometimes within minutes

Making a Repayment Plan

Once you get the loan, make sure you can stick to your repayment schedule.

• Align your payments with your income cycle
• Use a budget tool tomonitorexpenses
• Focus on paying down high-interest loans first

Falling behind payments can hurt your credit and limit future loan opportunities.

Why Financing Equipment Helps

Financing lets you:

• Increase productivity with newer, faster machines
• Lower labor costs
• Stay competitive with other farms

It’s a practical way to grow your farm without draining your cash reserves.

Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common issues that can throw a wrench in your equipment financing:

• Skipping your credit check:Know your score before you apply.
• Not reading the fine print:Understand interest rates, penalties, and feesbefore you sign on the dotted line.
• Rushing the process:A quick decisionnow canlead to expensive regrets later.
• Not contacting a lender before you head to the auction:If you are heading to an auction to bid on a piece of equipment, call your preferred lender beforehand to discuss your options, and see if you can get pre-qualified up front. This will make your purchaseexperience more efficient.

Final Thought

An equipment loan isn’t just about buying new machines—it’s about improving your farm’s future. Get clear on your needs, understand your options, and choose a lender who fits your goals. The right equipment can make your work easier, faster, and more profitable.

Want easy equipment financing? Check out Farm Credit EXPRESS and see how you can get a decision in minutes, right at your local dealership.

Horizon Farm Credit recently welcomed members of the Delaware State University Collegiate Farm Bureau and FFA Chapter for a financial education event. The visit gave students a firsthand look into how the Farm Credit System works and why sound financial habits matter, both for personal success and future agricultural endeavors. 

During the session, students learned about the Farm Credit cooperative structure and how Farm Credit supports young and beginning farmers through specialized resources and services. In addition, students were introduced to key financial concepts including budgeting, saving, credit, and income management. Students applied these skills to real-life scenarios, helping them understand how everyday financial decisions connect to long-term goals. 

“Financial literacy is one of the most powerful tools we can give young people,” said Johanna Rohrer, Member Education & YBS Program Officer at Horizon Farm Credit. “Financial confidence is the cornerstone of long-term success, and seeing these students engage so actively was truly inspiring. We’re honored to play a part in empowering the next generation of agricultural leaders to build strong financial foundations.” 

This event reflects Farm Credit’s ongoing commitment to supporting young and beginning agriculturalists through hands-on education. By equipping students with practical financial skills, Farm Credit continues to invest in the future of agriculture and communities the cooperative serves.