“I just knew I wanted to be a farmer, so I kept knocking on doors, and finally, someone said yes.” – Krystal Teel

A life-long dream

Krystal Teel did not come from a farming background and had no experience growing traditional crops. But she knew she wanted to be a farmer, and knew she needed a lender who would support her dream. Despite early struggles, she found Farm Credit, and the rest is history.

“I had no idea what I was doing,” Krystal said, “I just knew I wanted to be a farmer, so I kept knocking on doors, and finally, someone said ‘yes.’”

Finding the right lender

With the help of Farm Credit Mid-America, Krystal received the funds she needed to start building her dream.

“Krystal came to us about ten years ago,” Farm Credit Mid-America loan officer Christy Case said. “She had been to a number of banks, and they were struggling to take her seriously—mostly because she was a young female trying to get started in farming on her own without family support or even background in farming.”

With the help of Farm Credit Mid-America, Krystal began farming soybeans and rice on 200 acres. Today, she farms more than 1,000 acres.

A dream come true

As a beginning farmer, Krystal faces many unknowns. Fortunately, Farm Credit Mid-America has a program specifically for young, beginning and small farmers, dedicated to helping eager entrepreneurs like Krystal start in the agriculture industry.

Krystal continues to overcome obstacles and achieve new goals by remaining committed to her dream and the folks at Farm Credit.

“If you have a dream, just because you come from nothing, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do big things in the world,” Krystal said.