2020 has brought many challenges and uncertainties to the world, and agriculture has most definitely felt the impact. Wild price swings, supply chain disruptions and economic hardships caused farmers across Iowa to review their finances and their operating plans in great detail.

During these difficult times — and any time farmers are looking for financial advice — they can turn to the Farm Financial Planning Program with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Seven farm financial associates are available to help, and will work one on one to develop confidential financial plans that help producers across the state. The associates are part-time ISU Extension employees with career training in farm budgeting and financial analysis, with farm backgrounds and an understanding of the current farm situation.

Evaluating your farm business

Associates use the FINPACK software to provide producers with a more in-depth evaluation of their farm business and advice on working with lenders, whether it’s to restructure the farm, expand, find new revenue, liquidate or something else.

“I love helping farmers explore their options,” says Norlan Hinke, a farm financial associate with ISU Extension. “When I retired from banking, I wanted to do something where I could be beneficial and help people or an organization, and I wanted to do something I enjoyed, using some of my career skills.”

Hinke says the challenges of the current year have created a “tremendous demand” for financial help, and he hopes more people will take advantage of the financial planning program.

Farmer makes final decisions

The service is free for the client, and the financial associate can become as involved as the client wishes. Hinke says he will meet with the farmer and the lender if the farmer wishes, but the farmer is still the decision maker.

Hinke explains the many benefits of working with a farm financial associate in an audio recording with Ann Johanns, education Extension specialist with Iowa State University.

A total of five audio recordings are available, covering topics like contacting an associate; what to do after an analysis; and what lenders are looking for.

For more information, contact Johanns at 515-337-2766 or [email protected]. Or contact your local farm financial associate by visiting the Farm Financial Planning Program.

Source: ISU, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.