What Makes Farm Credit of Florida Different from a Traditional Bank?
When it comes to financing, choosing the right lender matters. While traditional banks offer a wide range of financial products, Farm Credit of Florida stands apart for one simple reason: serving agriculture and rural communities isn’t just part of what we do; it’s the heart of who we are.
Here’s what makes Farm Credit different from a traditional bank and why that difference matters for Florida’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.
1.) We’re a Cooperative, Not a Bank
Farm Credit isn’t owned by outside investors. It’s owned by our members. That means when you borrow from Farm Credit of Florida, you become a member-owner with a voice in how we do business.
Each year, eligible members receive a portion of the association’s earnings through patronage dividends, effectively lowering the cost of borrowing. It’s one of the meaningful ways we reinvest in the people who help Florida agriculture thrive. While patronage is not guaranteed, we’re proud of our strong history of returning value to our members. Learn more about patronage here.
2.) Agriculture is Local, So Are Our Decision Makers
Unlike traditional banks that answer to outside investors, Farm Credit of Florida is led by a local board of directors made up of farmers, producers, and ranchers who live and work in the same communities we serve.
Their firsthand experience in agriculture ensures our decisions are guided by people who understand the realities of production, risk, and rural life.
3.) We Understand Agriculture
Traditional banks serve many industries. We serve agriculture and rural communities.
Our loan officers and credit analysts understand the unique challenges of farming, from weather risks and market swings to seasonal cash flow cycles. Whether you’re buying land, upgrading equipment, or expanding your operation, you’ll work with professionals who know your world and speak your language.
4.) We Offer Long-Term, Flexible Financing
Unlike many commercial lenders, Farm Credit was built for the long haul. We offer loan terms and structures tailored to the pace of agriculture, not the demands of quarterly earnings reports.
From flexible payment schedules that align with harvest seasons to fixed-rate, long-term options for rural property, our financing solutions are designed around your goals, not the other way around.
5.) We’re Committed to Rural Communities
Our mission extends beyond lending. Farm Credit of Florida is deeply rooted in rural development, supporting initiatives that keep small towns strong, including youth programs like 4-H and FFA, disaster recovery, and community partnerships.
When you borrow from Farm Credit, your dollars stay local, helping to build a stronger, more resilient community.
6.) Advocacy in the Legislative Arena
Farm Credit of Florida is deeply committed to supporting agriculture beyond lending. Our leadership actively engages with policymakers, industry associations, and local organizations to champion legislation that strengthens rural economies, safeguards farmland, and promotes fair access to credit. When you borrow from Farm Credit, you’re partnering with a lender that not only understands your business but also fights for its future.
7.) We’re Built to Serve You in Good Seasons and Bad
Farming is full of uncertainty. Farm Credit has been standing with producers through droughts, hurricanes, and market downturns for more than a century. Our focus is long-term success, not short-term gains.
When challenges arise, we stand by our members with flexible solutions and personalized support that traditional lenders often can’t match.
To help safeguard your operation, our experienced crop insurance agents are here to guide you through your options and tailor coverage to your needs. From weather events to unexpected losses, crop insurance provides an essential layer of protection, so you can stay focused on growing your business, even when conditions are beyond your control.
The Bottom Line
Farm Credit of Florida isn’t just another lender. We’re a cooperative of people who believe in agriculture, rural life, and the hard work behind both.
Whether you’re a multi-generation producer or just getting started, you deserve a lender that understands your land, your business, and your future, not just your balance sheet.
Ready to experience the Farm Credit difference? Contact us today!