Ag Invest

Discover how Ag Invest connects Illinois farmers and agribusinesses with affordable financing to strengthen operations, pursue new opportunities and support the state’s agricultural economy.

Green corn leaves in a field with an overcast sky above. Photo is titled Corn Rows.

When Farmers Need Help Weathering the Storm

This summer, I was awakened by a tremendous storm in the middle of the night. My first thought was how much I don’t like the rain. I didn’t always feel this way. As a kid, I loved playing in the rain. I think my attitude started to change when baseball games were rained out. I also distinctly remember my first job detasseling corn really turned me against the rain. By the time I got through the field, my shoes were…

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Aerial view of Frerichs family farm

Investing in Farmers

I enjoy driving through downstate Illinois this time of year when farmers are planting in the fields. It means spring has arrived and reminds me of riding on my grandfather’s tractor as a kid. It gives me a sense of optimism. Farming is an annual gamble. A lot of time and money goes into putting a crop in the field. There could be a drought, or a flood, or tariffs could drive down the price of corn and soybeans, and…

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