The Farmer’s Guide to Livestock Financing in 2026 For you, this means 2026 is the year to grow your herd. The “Cattle Crunch” has made beef more valuable than ever. To win, you need a plan that handles high costs while capturing these high returns. At F&M Bank, we offer “The Human Touch.” We don’t […]
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How a Farm Operating Line of Credit Helps Keep Your Operation Running Smoothly Farming requires substantial upfront investment long before profits appear. Every season brings expenses for seed, fertilizer, feed, and fuel—plus insurance, rent, and labor. Add in unpredictable weather and shifting commodity prices, and even the best-run operations can face tight cash-flow windows. That’s […]
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Farm Loan Refinancing: A Complete Guide for Farmers What Does Farm Loan Refinancing Mean? Farm loan refinancing replaces an existing loan with a new one that can offer better terms, such as a lower rate or payment structure. It may reduce monthly payments, lower total interest, or (in some cases) consolidate debt, depending on loan […]
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Farm Operating Loans: How They Can Keep Your Farm Moving Running a successful farm takes more than hard work. It requires steady access to working capital. From fertilizer and seed to fuel, feed, and wages, expenses often come due long before income arrives. When prices fluctuate or emergencies strike, having quick access to funds can […]
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Strategic Financial Planning for the 2026 Margin Squeeze What is the financial outlook for Midwest farming in 2026? The 2026 agricultural landscape in Indiana and Illinois is defined by a “margin squeeze.” While input costs remain historically high, commodity prices have softened due to global competition (specifically Brazil). To survive and thrive, farmers must shift […]
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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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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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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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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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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 […]
Read MorePassing 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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Indiana’s agricultural legacy runs deep, and today’s farmers need modern tools to keep their operations efficient and competitive. However, top-tier farm equipment—tractors, combines, grain systems—can carry high upfront costs. To help Indiana’s farming families acquire and upgrade their gear, Farmers & Merchants Bank offers flexible and personalized loan options designed with Hoosiers in mind. This […]
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Farming is more than a job—it’s a way of life and a vital part of our community. At Farmers & Merchants Bank, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with running a farm. Whether you’re looking to purchase land, upgrade equipment, or expand operations, finding the right financing option is essential for your […]
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West Lafayette, IN (12-11-2024) The Farmers and Merchants Bank is pleased to name Donald Blume as President of The Farmers and Merchants Bank effective January 1, 2025, succeeding current bank President Grant Whaley. “It has been an honor serving as President, CEO & Chairman of The Farmers and Merchants Bank. I would like to personally […]
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Agricultural loans are crucial in the world of farming as they offer vital financial support and opportunities for growth. These loans are more than just financial aid. They represent the dreams and ambitions of farmers which provide a foundation for success in an unpredictable industry. This guide aims to help farmers understand the good and […]
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In the patchwork of communities, the heartbeat of prosperity often stems from the fields that surround us. Agriculture, more than just a livelihood, is a cornerstone that sustains us, providing economic stability and a sense of connectedness. At Farmers & Merchants Bank, we recognize the profound impact of supporting agriculture in our community and the […]
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When it comes to securing an ag loan from a community bank, Indiana farmers know they can count on Farmers & Merchants Bank. In the heart of Indiana’s farming communities, our farmers trust Community Banks like never before. Here at Farmers & Merchants Bank, we hold in-person relationships in high regard and take pride in […]
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In today’s diverse banking landscape, the significance of community banks remains unparalleled. Especially when it comes to an “ag loan community bank” like Farmers & Merchants Bank, a cornerstone in providing comprehensive and tailored services, the advantages are clear. The right amount of community-based insights plus the commitment to personalized service means that farmers and […]
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We understand there is uncertainty in our current ag environment with rising interest rate pressure, higher input costs, high land values, and more. This year, you might be affected by: • Inflationary Pressure and Rising Interest Rates • Rising Interest Rates = Rising Cost of Money We can help you strategize. Here are some ideas […]
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March is National Agriculture Month! Which means it’s a great time to recognize the vital role that agriculture plays in our country, state, and community. This is particularly important to us at Farmers & Merchants Bank as our company was started in 1903 when a group of fifteen farmers and leaders got together in the […]
Read More What better time to share some fun facts about our farmer friends? We all know that farmers are the backbone of the Ag industry and without farmers feeding the world, we’d literally starve. We also all know that farmers are some of the hardest workers in the entire world. And we want them to know […]
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