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Are You Ready for Homeownership? Plan Now and Be Ready by Spring.

Buying a home is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming without a plan. At Farmers & Merchants Bank, we believe that with the right timeline, tools, and support, you can go from dreaming to doing. Whether you’re looking to buy your first home in the spring or use the equity in your current home to […]

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beginning farmer loans

Beginning Farmer Loans: Secure Funding for Your First Farm

  Launching a farm is equal parts passion and entrepreneurship. Land prices in Indiana and Illinois can top $10 000 per acre, and equipment costs rise every season. New growers also face cash-flow gaps because revenue arrives months after seeds go into the ground.  Traditional banks may hesitate without collateral or credit history, so first-generation […]

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Delivering lunches to local farmers.

Rooted in Agriculture: Customized Banking Solutions for Local Farmers

At Farmers & Merchants Bank, agriculture isn’t just part of the local economy—it’s part of who we are. For generations, we’ve worked side-by-side with local farmers, providing financial solutions tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of life on the land. We understand that farming isn’t a 9-to-5 job. It’s a way of life that […]

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First-Time Homebuyer Programs: Your Guide to Affordable Homeownership

Buying your first home is one of life’s biggest milestones—and one of the most common sources of stress for new buyers. The excitement of house hunting often gets overshadowed by worries about saving for a down payment, finding the right mortgage, and managing closing costs. Fortunately, there are dedicated first-time homebuyer programs designed to help […]

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Karen Gillen and Sara Weber former Benton County Fair Queens

Crowns, Confidence & Community: Lessons from the Benton County Fair Queen Contest

Honoring 25 Years for Sara and 40 Years for Karen Every summer, fairgrounds across Indiana come alive with more than livestock shows and lemon shake-ups. They’re places where traditions are honored, confidence is built, and community shines brightest—especially on Queen Contest night. At Farmers & Merchants Bank, we’re proud to celebrate two of our own […]

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Nikki Harman, branch manager at Boswell

Rooted in 4-H, Committed to Community: Nikki Harman’s Lasting Impact

Boswell Branch Manager | 4-H Alum | Fair Board Member For Nikki Harman, giving back isn’t a seasonal thing—it’s simply part of who she is. As Branch Manager of our Boswell office, Nikki leads with consistency, care, and a deep connection to the people and places around her. And her involvement with 4-H—both past and […]

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Collage of 4H Fair Graphics

Why 4-H Matters: Building Financial Literacy and Life Skills for the Next Generation

At Farmers & Merchants Bank, we believe in investing in our communities—and that starts with investing in our youth. That’s one of the many reasons we proudly support 4-H. For more than a century, 4-H has been shaping future leaders by teaching responsibility, goal-setting, and the value of hard work. But did you know that […]

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Samantha Otten, Ag-Commercial Lender at Farmers and Merchants Bank

From the Show Ring to the Lending Desk: How 4-H Shaped My Passion for Agriculture

By Samantha Otten Ag-Commercial Lender at Farmers and Merchants Bank Every summer when the fairgrounds fill with the smell of sawdust and the hum of anticipation, I’m reminded just how much 4-H shaped the person I am today. Before I was an Ag Lender at Farmers and Merchants, I was a kid with a bucket […]

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Farm Succession Planning Services for Your Family’s Future

  Passing down a family farm is more than a financial decision—it’s about safeguarding a legacy. For generations, families have cultivated land, built businesses, and preserved traditions. But without a formal plan, that heritage is vulnerable. F&M Bank’s long history of serving multi-generational farm families proves we can help families navigate the transition process with […]

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hands holding American Dollar Bills

Is It Time to Refinance? How to Decide If Refinancing Is Right for You

Refinancing your mortgage or other loans can be a great financial move but it’s not always the right decision for everyone. At Farmers & Merchants Bank, we want to help you understand the benefits, potential drawbacks, and key factors to consider when deciding if refinancing is the right choice for you. What Is Refinancing? Refinancing […]

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