Henry S. Stoltzfus, First Time Rural Property Owner

When Henry S. Stoltzfus, Lancaster County, Penn., needed financing for a home on three and half acres, he began exploring options with local banks. “I talked to my dad, and he said, ‘Why don’t you try Farm Credit?’ Neither one of us knew if Farm Credit made home loans, but I decided to call and find out.”

Farm Credit: Financing more than farms

Henry discovered that Farm Credit could finance the property. A ranch-style house nestled off the main road, the property also included a 2-car garage that Henry could convert for use with his construction business. The acreage is a mix of woods and pasture, and an area for a garden. 

How a Smaller Down Payment can Help Long Term

“At first, we planned for the traditional 20% loan down payment by securing an additional small loan from my dad,” Henry explained. “When we found out that we qualified for Farm Credit’s First Time Rural Property Owner (FTRPO)* program, it gave us a break. Since we needed 15% down payment, instead of 20% down, we were able to keep some of our savings for emergencies.”

Henry and his family moved into their new home at Christmas and two weeks later, a home repair emergency did develop. Henry tested the water, and the results revealed they needed to replace the home’s water system, requiring money from savings. 

Henry also explained that the FTRPO program helped improve his cash flow and reduce stress. “With a construction business, the end of the year always is difficult because we’re not as busy. The smaller down payment makes more money available and eases our cash flow stress,” Henry said. 

“For first-time homeowners, the hardest part is the down payment,” Henry said. “That 15% really helps.”

“I would recommend Farm Credit to others looking for a country home loan. Our lender was available when I was available,” he continued. “She was willing to talk to me in the evening and sign papers after work hours.” 

Ask about our First Time Rural Property Owner Program 

Affording your perfect country property can be a challenge today. If you've found the land with the perfect home, we’ve developed a program specifically for first-time rural property owners – to help you cut costs that matter. Financing is available for up to 85% of your purchase price or appraised value with no mortgage insurance for first-time rural property owners*. What does that mean for you? Financing a greater amount of your purchase/appraised price can help you keep money in your pocket for other improvements, should you wish to make them. No mortgage insurance means thousands of dollars in savings for you in the long run. Give us a call today to learn more about how Farm Credit can help you finance your perfect piece of country.

*Certain restrictions apply. This offer is subject to credit approval.

The Need for Modern Farm Equipment

Farming has evolved drastically over the years as technology reshapes how work gets done. With advances in agricultural equipment, tasks that once took days can now be completed in hours. High-tech tractors, automated irrigation, and precision planting tools have become staples of modern productive farms.

But upgrading to modern equipment comes with a hefty price tag. That’s where farm equipment loans step in, helping farmers invest in the tools they need to stay competitive and profitable – here's how:

Financial Challenges in Upgrading Farm Equipment

New technology often comes at high costs. Investing in ag innovations like autonomous tractors, robotic harvesters, or AI-powered crop monitoring systems can be a significant financial burden. For farmers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia, balancing the need for modern equipment with the reality of tight budgets can be tough. Thankfully, farmers have a few options for consideration - should they lease or refinance existing equipment, dip into their savings, or explore loan options?

Farm Equipment Loans: A Solution for Modernization

A farm equipment loan makes it easier to invest in technology without straining cash reserves or leasing needed equipment. Horizon Farm Credit provides financing solutions tailored to farmers’ needs, offering competitive rates, flexible terms, and the ability to secure loans through local dealerships.

With access to an equipment financing program offered by Farm Credit, farmers can spread out payments over time, making it easier to invest in the tools they need to bring their farm, and profit margins, into a new era.

5 Ways Agricultural Loans Can Modernize Your Farm Equipment

1. Enhanced Productivity – Upgrading to newer machinery means fewer breakdowns, faster fieldwork, and increased output.
2. Improved Efficiency – Automated equipment reduces labor costs, streamlines workflows, and saves valuable time.
3. Increased Sustainability – Eco-friendly machinery lowers fuel consumption, improves soil health, and supports long-term conservation efforts.
4. Better Crop Quality – Precision planting and harvesting tools result in healthier crops, higher yields, and reduced waste.
5. Financial Flexibility – With variable rate loans and customized repayment plans, farmers can manage expenses without jeopardizing cash flow.

Applying for a Farm Equipment Loan with Horizon Farm Credit

Obtaining financing for your farm equipment doesn’t have to be complicated. Horizon Farm Credit offers a straightforward loan application process:

1. Assess your equipment needs – Determine what tools will improve productivity, and how much they’ll cost.
2. Explore financing options – Compare interest rates and repayment plans, and see which loans you’re eligible for.
3. Submit your application – Provide financial details, farm operation records, business plans, and any other supporting documents.
4. Secure funding and upgrade – Once approved, purchase your equipment and put it to work.

Supporting New Farmers with Farm Equipment Loans

For new, young, and beginning farmers, investing in agricultural equipment for their own operation or for their custom farming business can be overwhelming. Without established credit or large savings, getting access to financing might seem impossible. That’s why Horizon Farm Credit offers specialized loan options for new farmers, to make it easier for new farmers to access credit.

Additional resources like mentorship programs, financial planning assistance, and tailored loan packages help new farmers navigate the equipment-buying process with confidence.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Farming with Modern Equipment

The future of farming is high-tech. Innovations in automation, data-driven decision-making, and GPS-guided machinery will give farmers the extra productivity they need to stay profitable with increasingly squeezed margins. Farmers who invest in modern equipment today will be better positioned to adapt to tomorrow’s challenges - and equipment loans are here to help.

Contact Us Today!

Time to upgrade your farm equipment? Contact us today to learn about your farm equipment loan options with Horizon Farm Credit. Modern farming requires modern tools - get the funding you need to stay ahead.

The key to success for any farm operation lies in building a strong foundation that allows you to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. In this insightful conversation, Joe Waddell, Director of Marketing Innovation, explains how defining your mission, refining operations, and making data-driven decisions can help build a stronger, more sustainable future.

From defining your mission and vision to making data-driven decisions, Joe shares insights on:

• Aligning short- and long-term goals for better decision-making
• Professionalizing your operation to drive efficiency and accountability
• Understanding your operations fine details
• Innovating and making data-driven decisions that maximize profitability
• Leveraging your network and embracing change to stay ahead

Whether you're fine-tuning your farm’s direction or looking for ways to improve efficiency, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways. Learn more by clicking play on the video above, and give our team a call at 888.339.3334 if you’re interested in getting in touch with Joe to dive into this topic deeper. 

Waiting for your tax refund can feel like watching paint dry—but it doesn’t have to! If you're wondering when your refund will arrive, there are quick and easy ways to track its status without making a call to your accountant or an office.

The IRS and state tax departments provide online tools that allow you to check the status of your refund in just a few clicks. All you need is your Social Security Number (SSN), filing status, and expected refund amount to get real-time updates on your return’s progress.

Where’s My Federal Tax Refund?

For federal refunds, the IRS Where’s My Refund tool is your go-to resource. It allows you to track your return from filing to processing and provides an estimated refund date.

🔗 Check your refund status here: IRS Where’s My Refund

State Tax Refund Tracking

If you’re expecting a state tax refund, each state has its own tool to check your status. Find yours below:

• Delaware: Check Refund Status
• Maryland: Refund Status Home Page
• Pennsylvania: myPATH - Personal Income Tax Refund Status
• Virginia: Individual Online Account
• West Virginia: MyTaxes - West Virginia Tax Division

What Information Do You Need?

Before checking your refund status, make sure you have:  

✔ Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN  

✔ Filing Status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, etc.)  

✔ Expected Refund Amount (exact dollar amount from your tax return)

What Do These Tools Tell You?

Once you enter your details, these tracking tools will provide:

• Return status (Filed, Accepted, Processed)
• Refund approval and estimated date
• Delivery method (Direct Deposit or Mailed Check)

How Long Does It Take to Get Your Refund?

• Federal Refunds: Typically processed within 21 days if e-filed, longer if mailed.
• State Refunds: Processing times vary, but most take a few weeks if filed electronically.

Still Have Questions?

If your refund is taking longer than expected, the tracking tools above will provide the most up-to-date information.

By checking your refund status online, you can skip the wait on hold and get answers in seconds. Use the links above to stay informed and track your refund with ease!

Need help with your taxes next year? Contact our team for expert assistance!