Farmer Resources

 

Forum

Welcome to the Progressive Farm Credit Farmers’ Forum.  Like the feed stores and five and dimes of yesterday, this is a place for the farmers of Southeast Missouri to come together and discuss the things that matter most to you- government policy, weather, equipment, family, technology and all of the victories and hardships that accompany being a family farmer in the 21st century. 

Simply create an account and you’re ready to log on and tap into the latest communication tool for connecting farmers like you throughout Southeast Missouri. 

 

Classifieds

Buying?  Selling?  Trading?  Hiring?

You can do it all in the Progressive Farm Credit classifieds- and it’s free for registered members!  Reach out to a network of farmers in Southeast Missouri to buy and sell your equipment, livestock and property.  If you’re looking for some hired help, or you’re a farm hand looking for work, this is the place to turn as well.  And best of all, it’s absolutely free.   

Contact your local Farm Credit office to find out how you can place a classified ad on our website.

 

Farming Pros

Farming in America has changed a lot since Progressive Farm Credit first opened our doors in 1917.  Farmers have gone from accounting for roughly 30% of the population to representing about 2%.  Individually, farms have gotten larger, as technology has made it easier for a family to effectively tend to more acreage than ever before.  Mules and over-the-shoulder cotton sacks have been replaced by heavy duty tractors and multi-row cotton picking machines.  Most farm families are plugged in online to a computer that they use in some way or another to run their farm.

In a lot of ways, it has gotten easier.  While it still takes solid manual labor, farming isn’t as physically demanding as it used to be.  But in terms of running a business and getting ahead, farmers have it harder today than they ever have.

Chances are, you’ve seen amazing technological advances even in your lifetime.  And you’ve adapted and continue to farm.  As you forge ahead, remember that while the industry and culture of farming has seen dramatic change since 1917, Progressive Farm Credit has adapted and developed, much like you have, to constantly serve today’s farmers of Southeast Missouri with the finest financial services available.

We’ve been, we are and we always will be your partners in improving yields in Southeast Missouri.   

Help for Beginning Farmers

If you’ve decided to try your hand in the farming business, we’d like to be the first to congratulate you on your decision.  Whether you seek to do this full time or part time, for a living or for fun, farming is one of the most rewarding experiences there is.

It’s also a lot of hard work.  It’s important to understand the commitment it takes to nurture even one plant from seed to fruit, let alone a hundred plants or a hundred acres.  So Progressive Farm Credit has compiled a few tips and resources here to help you get off on the right foot toward success in your life as a farmer:

1. Talk to other farmers – Get the whole story and learn what to expect by simply talking to other farmers.  Resources like our Farmers’ Forum can put you in touch with an entire network of successful farmers who have seen the ups and down of the business first hand.
   
   
2. Know the Politics of Farming – If this is your first foray into farming, utilize every available resource.  It’s important to understand that there are a lot of political activities in play at all times that affect the life and work of the American farmer.  Gain an understanding of the past legislation that has shaped our lives and stay on top of current changes to be your best.  If you have questions, stay on top of state policy by contacting the Missouri Department of Agriculture with questions. 
   
   
3. Understand your trade – Visit the University of Missouri Extension Services.  Research the history of farming in this area and gain an understanding of the land you plan to work and the crops you plan to grow.  The first seed a new farmer should plant is the seed of knowledge.
   
   
4. Learn about farm finance- When it comes to success on the farm, it’s important to understand the financial side of the business.  Progressive Farm Credit offers a unique program called the Young, Beginning and Small (YBS) Farmer Program.  The YBS is designed to offer financing opportunities to inexperienced or small farmers who would otherwise not qualify.  To learn more, visit with the experts at your local Progressive Farm Credit office.

These tips will get you off on the right foot as a farmer here in Southeast Missouri.  We all want to see you succeed and reach your goals as a farmer.  If Progressive Farm Credit can be of service in that endeavor, remember we’re just a click or a call away.