With the farm economy getting tighter and tighter, it is critical that farmers look at every way to reduce costs. One of the best ways to do so, said Keith Steiner, Federated's business relationship specialist, "is to get your crop input loan at a low interest rate and use that to purchase your inputs at the lowest price."

Steiner noted that Federated Co-ops works with a finance co-op out of Kansas City, the Cooperative Finance Association, to offer its patrons competitive interest rates with a very flexible due date of March 15, 2019. This gives farmers a longer window to market their grain and provides more flexibility on the farm and, Steiner added, "you can use this loan to complement your existing operating loan or use CFA for all of your crop input loan needs through Federated Co-ops."

When doing business with CFA, growers work on the loan with a Federated employee, "which provides a personal touch and someone who understands what it takes to keep your farming operation successful," said Steiner. He highlighted the following benefits of obtaining financing through CFA:

• Experience a quick and easy application process.
• Use the loan for seed, fertilizer, crop protection, and fuel purchases made through Federated.
• Take advantage of early purchase discounts on seed, fertilizer, crop protection, and fuel.
• Save time with the convenience of a one-stop source - Federated Co-ops, Inc. - for all crop input needs.

Contact Steiner  with financing questions, and talk to your Federated Agronomist to discuss crop input needs.