Farm Credit’s commitment to supporting rural communities and agriculture means ensuring rural entrepreneurs have the tools they need to overcome barriers and grow their businesses, right in rural America. That’s why Farm Credit has partnered with the American Farm Bureau Federation to present the 2020 Ag Innovation Challenge, now accepting applications through September 30.

For more than 100 years, Farm Credit has supported farmers in good times and in bad. We understand the challenges our customers face because agriculture is what we do and who we are. In this uncertain ag economy, Farm Credit is singularly focused on working, day-in and day-out, to achieve the best possible outcome for our customer-owners. 

Rural broadband means access to telehealth, which critical for rural residents, who often live far from hospitals or clinics and lack access to locally-based specialists. Patients’ ability to communicate with healthcare professionals from home and local doctors’ ability to consult with off-site specialists have the potential to increase both the quality of life for rural residents and the quality of healthcare they receive. These outcomes would help reduce overall costs in thousands of rural communities across the country.

Agriculture is a risky business, and natural disasters can devastate communities and jeopardize a farm family’s entire livelihood in an instant. As a local lender to farmers, ranchers and rural infrastructure providers, Farm Credit understands the challenges our customers face. And when disaster strikes, we’re out there pitching in however we can. 

The word “entrepreneurship” typically evokes images of Silicon Valley tech startups, food delivery services, ridesharing apps that aid commuters…the list goes on. What’s the common thread? Entrepreneurship makes us think urban. While entrepreneurs often capitalize on the needs of urban centers, innovation is critical to the growth and vitality of rural communities as well, especially when it comes to agriculture. 

CoBank, a national cooperative bank serving Farm Credit associations, agribusinesses and rural infrastructure providers, has partnered with the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) to underwrite a program that will target and train the next generation of technical workers needed to ensure the future operation of critical water and wastewater systems in rural communities.