BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Area agricultural producers have options available to manage capital and secure lower interest rates as harvest season wraps up, according to local lending specialists.
Ashley Lutz of the AgCredit Bucyrus office appeared on Community Spotlight to discuss grain inventory loans and the state’s Ag Link program, two financial tools designed to help farmers lock in pre-purchase savings on inputs for the upcoming crop year.
Grain inventory loans allow farmers to leverage harvested bushels—whether stored on the farm or at a local elevator—as collateral to secure liquid operating funds. Those funds can then be used to pre-purchase seed, fertilizer, and other essential supplies.
“It’s a great way to use pre-purchase inputs for next year when capital is tied up,” Lutz said. She noted that farmers interested in applying should provide updated financial statements, balance sheets, and tax records to their local loan officer.
Lutz also highlighted the Ag Link program, administered through the Ohio Treasurer’s Office. The program enables qualifying farmers with an operating loan or line of credit to reduce and fix their interest rate for 12 months with no application fees. AgCredit remains the largest participant in the Ag Link program in Ohio, with quarterly application windows available for agricultural operators statewide.