With commodity prices being what they are, cost cutting is at the top of the list for 2018. "The best way to cut costs is to purchase crop inputs soon to take advantage of early-purchase discounts," said Keith Steiner, Federated's business relationship specialist who oversees seed financing. "Now is the time for the largest discounts on seed," he added. Cost savings will decrease between now and spring, too.

Every seed company offers its own financing, making it hard to meet all the minimum requirements for every seed purchase. Steiner said, "Federated works with CFA, an agriculture financing co-op out of Kansas City, MO, to offer very attractive interest rates on your seed purchases, or a full crop input loan."

However, in addition to good interest rates, the benefits of working with Federated and CFA on crop input/seed financing are significant.

• Purchase all seed varieties and brands on one low interest rate loan.
• Eliminate the worry of meeting minimum purchase requirements.
• Easily manage the streamlined application process, and experience short loan processing times.
• Crop input loans can be used for any seed, fertilizer, crop protection, and fuel purchases made through Federated Co-ops.

Contact Steiner to explore seed/crop input financing options and take advantage of cost-saving early purchase discounts. Your local Federated Agronomist is available for recommendations as well.