Ag Loans from Home Federal Bank: 

Agriculture is the backbone of Nebraska’s economy. Farmers and ranchers, from small family farms to big operations, need smart financial choices. These choices help keep their businesses growing. One of the most important tools in that process is access to reliable agricultural financing.

Home Federal Bank offers agricultural loans designed to support Nebraska producers at every stage of their operation. As a local community bank, Home Federal understands the unique needs of farming and ranching in the region and works directly with customers to build financing solutions that make sense for their operation.

This guide explains agricultural loans, details their common uses, and shows how Home Federal Bank supports local agriculture through relationship-based lending.

What Is an Agricultural Loan?

An agricultural loan, often called an ag loan, is a type of financing used to support farming and ranching operations. These loans are designed specifically for agricultural businesses and are commonly used to cover large expenses that are part of operating and growing a farm or ranch.

Agricultural loans differ from standard personal or commercial loans because they are structured around the realities of agriculture, such as seasonal income, long production cycles, and land-based assets.

Ag loans are commonly used for:

• Purchasing or refinancing farmland or ranch property
  
• Buying farm equipment or machinery
  
• Covering operating expenses
  
• Supporting livestock and production needs
  
• Making improvements to existing operations
  

Agricultural Loan Options at Home Federal Bank

Home Federal Bank offers several types of agricultural loans to support Nebraska farmers and ranchers. These options are designed to align with real-world agricultural needs while providing flexibility and local support.

Farm and Ranch Real Estate Loans

Farm and ranch real estate loans are commonly used to purchase land, expand existing operations, or refinance agricultural property. These loans help producers invest in long-term assets that support the future of their operation.

Because farmland and ranch property play a central role in agricultural businesses, working with a local lender who understands land values and regional conditions can be especially important.

Agricultural Operating Lines of Credit

Many agricultural operations experience seasonal income and expenses. Operating lines of credit are designed to help manage cash flow throughout the year.

An ag operating line of credit may be used for:

• Seed, feed, and fertilizer
  
• Fuel and utilities
  
• Routine operating expenses
  
• Short-term production costs
  

This type of financing allows producers to access funds as needed while managing expenses between harvests or production cycles.

Equipment and Machinery Loans

Modern agriculture depends on reliable equipment. Equipment and machinery loans can be used to finance items such as tractors, combines, irrigation systems, and other essential tools.

Financing equipment allows producers to maintain and upgrade machinery without tying up working capital that may be needed elsewhere in the operation.

Livestock and Production Loans

Livestock and production loans support the purchase and care of livestock as well as other production-related needs. These loans are structured to align with production cycles and the realities of agricultural markets.

Government-Guaranteed Ag Loans (FSA & USDA)

Home Federal Bank also works with government-guaranteed loan programs that can help support new, expanding, or evolving agricultural operations.

With bank-originated and submitted loan applications, these programs may offer additional flexibility and longer-term financing options when compared to traditional loans.

Programs include:

• FSA Guaranteed Loans – Credit lines and term loans backed by the Farm Service Agency
  
• USDA Business & Industry (B&I) Loans – Financing options for eligible equipment and real estate needs

Home Federal Bank helps guide borrowers through the process and determine whether a government-guaranteed loan is a good fit for their operation.

Why Work with a Local Ag Lender?

Choosing a lender who understands agriculture can make a meaningful difference. Home Federal Bank operates as a community financial institution, which means lending decisions are made locally by people who understand the Nebraska market.

Benefits of working with a local ag lender include:

• Familiarity with regional farming and ranching conditions
  
• Local decision-making
  
• Relationship-based banking
  
• Direct access to lenders who understand your operation
  

Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, Home Federal Bank works with customers to understand their specific goals and challenges.

Home Federal Bank’s Commitment to Nebraska Agriculture

Home Federal Bank has a long history of serving local communities in Nebraska. Agricultural lending is an important part of that commitment.

By offering ag loans tailored to farming and ranching needs, Home Federal Bank supports:

• Family farms
  
• Multi-generation operations
  
• Growing agricultural businesses
  
• Long-term land stewardship
  

This community-focused approach helps ensure that financing decisions support both the individual operation and the broader local economy.

What to Expect When Applying for an Ag Loan

While every operation is different, agricultural loan applications typically involve a review of financial information related to the farm or ranch. This process helps ensure the loan structure aligns with the needs and capabilities of the operation.

Home Federal Bank works directly with customers throughout the lending process, providing guidance and clear communication from start to finish.

Using Ag Financing as Part of a Long-Term Strategy

Agricultural loans are not just about covering immediate expenses. When used thoughtfully, they can support long-term goals such as:

• Expanding acreage
  
• Improving efficiency
  
• Upgrading equipment
  
• Supporting future generations
  

Working with a local lender allows producers to view financing as part of an overall business strategy rather than a short-term transaction.

Getting Started with an Agricultural Loan at Home Federal Bank

Getting started begins with a conversation. Home Federal Bank encourages farmers and ranchers to connect with their local ag lending team to discuss their operation, goals, and financing needs.

By working together, Home Federal Bank helps build loan solutions that align with real agricultural challenges and opportunities.

A Trusted Banking Partner for Nebraska Agriculture

Agriculture requires planning, resilience, and strong partnerships. Home Federal Bank provides agricultural loans designed to support Nebraska farmers and ranchers with flexible financing and local expertise.

By combining relationship-based banking with a deep understanding of agriculture, Home Federal Bank remains a trusted financial partner for those who work the land and support Nebraska’s agricultural future.