Why Solar Power is Essential for Agriculture Today

With rising energy costs and fluctuating utility rates, many farmers are turning to novel solutions to power their operations or homes that don’t dig into their bottom line. Solar power has emerged as a game-changer for agriculture, offering affordable, clean energy that reduces operating expenses and increases energy independence. 

From running irrigation systems to powering grain drying and greenhouse operations, solar energy is transforming modern farming. To support these projects, solar power loans provide the financing farmers need to invest in renewable energy. 
 

Financing Solar Power for Agricultural Operations

Farmers have access to various loans and financing options that make it easier to fund the purchase and installation of solar systems.

Types of Solar Power Loans

• Secured Loans: These loans use farm assets as collateral, offering borrowers access to larger loan amounts and lower interest rates.
• Equipment-Specific Loans: Tailored for renewable energy systems, these loans allow farmers to access funds specifically for equipment and solar panel installation.

Grants and Incentives

In addition to loans, farmers can lower project costs by tapping into state, federal, and local incentives. A word of caution: Be sure to read the details of these programs in their entirety before making your decision – these programs and how they run are often dependent on the administration currently in power and may change in the future. Due to the fluctuation in programing, your solar equipment provider can also be a good resource for program availability and eligibility. 

• USDA Rural Development Energy Programs: The USDA offers a variety of programs incentivizing businesses to make energy efficiency improvements.
• State Incentives for Renewables: Each state offers unique programs to promote the adoption of renewable energy. These may include rebates, tax incentives, and loan support for solar power projects.
• Federal Tax Benefits: Depending on eligibility, farmers can claim the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS), which allows for accelerated depreciation of renewable energy equipment, lowering overall tax liability. 

By combining grants, incentives and loans, farmers can reduce out-of-pocket costs, making solar power more affordable and accessible.

Evaluating Solar Power Loan Providers

Choosing the right lender is crucial for securing the best rates and terms. Here’s what business owners should consider:

1. Interest Rates: Competitive interest rates are essential for keeping monthly payments manageable. Fixed rate loans can ensure predictable payments.
2. Loan Terms: Depending on the lender you go with, loan terms can range from short-term to long-term agreements. There are also loan-specific features like deferred or interest-only payments during system installation.
3. Specialized Agricultural Lenders: Lenders like Horizon Farm Credit offer tailored loans for agricultural needs, which cater to agricultural clients in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. We know each farm is unique and we are ready to help you determine the feasibility of your investment in solar. 

Steps to Secure a Solar Power Loan

If you’re ready to invest in a solar power system, follow these steps to explore and secure financing for your farm.

Assess Your Energy Needs
Start with an energy audit to determine how much power your farm needs and how a solar panel system can meet those requirements. This step ensures you install the right-sized system to maximize energy savings.

Select a Solar Installer
Work with experienced solar providers who specialize in farm installations. Look for contractors who understand farm-specific and USDA program requirements.

Prepare Your Loan Application
You’ll need to provide documentation including your financial history, energy use data, proof of grant eligibility, and construction plan.

Long-term Benefits of Solar Power in Agriculture

Investing in solar power offers significant long-term benefits for farmers and agribusinesses.

• Financial Savings: Solar energy reduces farm electricity bills and stabilizes energy costs, providing consistent savings over time.
• Tax Benefits and State Incentives: By using the MACRS depreciation system, farmers can recover a portion of the system's cost as a tax deduction. Additional state incentives for renewables can further reduce costs.
• Energy Independence: Relying on on-site renewable energy reduces exposure to utility price fluctuations and increases farm sustainability.

Ready to explore financing options for a solar investment for your farm? Contact a member of our team today to get started. 

Mechanicsburg, PA — Horizon Farm Credit, a member-owned cooperative and part of the national Farm Credit System, recently reported strong financial results in its 2024 annual report. The continued growth in loans and solid earnings will allow Horizon Farm Credit to distribute $72.3 million in patronage dividends to member-borrowers based on 2024 earnings. 

The Association’s record-breaking net accruing loan volume grew to over $7.2 billion, an increase of approximately 10% compared to over $6.5 billion at the end of 2023. Net interest income for 2024 was $195.4 million, an increase of 11.5% compared to $175.4 million for 2023. Net income grew to $131.8 million, a 0.06% increase compared to $131.7 million in 2023. Credit quality continues to remain strong with acceptable credit quality at 95.8% for the end of 2024.  

“Our strong financial performance reflects the trust our members place in us and our commitment to delivering reliable credit and financial services,” said Tom Truitt, CEO of Horizon Farm Credit. “As we close another successful year, we remain dedicated to strengthening agriculture and rural communities, ensuring they have the resources they need to grow and thrive for generations to come.”

Members’ Equity as of December 31, 2024, totaled $1.26 billion, an increase of 4.7%, compared to $1.2 billion in 2023. This strong equity position allows the Association to finance members’ growth even during industry challenges. In 2025, Horizon Farm Credit will be distributing $72.3 million of its 2024 earnings in cash patronage directly to its member-borrowers. 

“Returning value to our members through our patronage program is one of the most rewarding aspects of what we do,” said Truitt. “Sharing our Association’s success is a testament to our cooperative structure and our commitment to supporting the farmers, agribusinesses, and communities we serve.”

For more information about the 2024 financial results and to view the Association’s 2024 Annual Report, visit horizonfc.com/about/financials.

The Significance of Land Expansion in Farm Operations

Expanding your land is one of the best ways to grow your farm or ranch. More acreage increases production, improves crop rotation, and provides access to better soil and water resources. It also brings stability by reducing reliance on leased land, giving you greater control over your operations.

More land means more opportunities, but it also comes with financial challenges. That’s where farm real estate loans come in, providing farmers and ranchers with the capital they need to expand their land and grow their operations.

The Financial Roadblocks to Land Acquisition

There’s no way around it - buying farmland is expensive. Between land prices, closing costs, and the need for infrastructure improvements, the upfront investment can feel overwhelming. Even if you’re confident in making a land purchase, fronting such a large volume of money can disrupt cash flow and impede your existing farming operation.

In states like Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia, farmers often face fluctuating land values and limited availability, making the process even more challenging.

Farm Real Estate Loans: A Path to Expansion

A farm real estate loan helps turn your expansion plans into reality, giving you the financial support to acquire additional land without the large upfront cost.

Specialized lenders like Farm Credit offer tailored farm real estate loans designed to meet the unique needs of the agricultural community. These loans often feature competitive interest rates, flexible repayment schedules aligned with seasonal cash flows, and support for both experienced and beginning farmers.

Benefits of Farm Real Estate Loans

Farm real estate loans (or farm land loans) provide more than just funding. They offer:

• Competitive interest rates that help keep payments manageable
• Flexible repayment structures that align with your unique seasonal cash flow
• Access to funding for everything from land purchases to property improvements
• Support for beginner and seasoned farmers, whether you’re just getting started or already know everything there is to know, Farm Credit’s expert team is ready to help

From dairy farms increasing their herd size to grain farmers improving their crop rotations with additional acreage, the benefits of these loans don’t just look good on paper - they help farmers increase their operations’ value.

Applying for a Farm Real Estate Loan with Farm Credit

Applying for a loan can be intimidating - we get it. Farm Credit makes it straightforward, guiding you through every step of the application process:

1. Determine your loan amount – Assess how much funding you need for your land expansion.
2. Complete a loan application form – Loans require details about your farm operation, financial standing, and future plans.
3. Submit required documents – This may include tax records, financial statements, and a business plan.
4. Work with a lender – They’ll help you navigate the loan application and approval process, ensuring you understand your options available and next steps.
5. Secure funding and close the deal – Once approved, you can finalize your land purchase and start making your expansion plans a reality.

Empowering New Farmers with Farm Real Estate Loans

New to farming? Real estate loans aren’t just for seasoned farmers - you can benefit too. Our beginning farmer loans feature relaxed underwriting requirements, customized loan terms, discounted pricing and reduced fees, collaboration with FSA loan programs, and the many benefits of being a cooperative member.

Farm Credit also offers additional resources, including mentorship programs, financial planning assistance, and specialized loan programs designed to support beginning farmers in building a sustainable operation.

Looking Forward: The Future of Farming with Land Expansion

The demand for farmland isn’t slowing down. With changing markets, evolving technology, and increasing food production needs, farm real estate loans will remain an important tool for farmers looking to grow, adapt, and invest in the future. By working with trusted lenders who understand agriculture, farmers and ranchers can secure the funding they need without unnecessary hurdles.

Grow Your Farm with the Right Financing Partner

Thinking about expanding your farm? A farm real estate loan could be the right step. To explore farm loan programs, and start the application process, contact Farm Credit today. Your farm’s future starts with the right financial partner - let’s grow together.

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.