HeartBeat Summer 2018 | Page 23

with machinery going out of warranty,” says Steinkamp. “Some producers will be basing trade-ins on limiting those costs.” One northwest Iowa dealer says that in addition to maintenance, resale value has also played a significant role in local trade-in and sales activity. “Some customers don’t want to worry about having as many wear parts. As a result, we’ve experienced stronger demand for tractors and harvest equipment over implements and planters,” says West Bend Red Power Store Manager, Joe Montag. “We’ve also noticed tractors having more appeal than other equipment sectors because of their utility from one farmer to the next. Due to size and cost, some of the larger planters and combines have a limited pool of secondary buyers, so tractors have become popular because of their resale value.” focus on cash - flow When it comes to equipment financing, Steinkamp says finding the right options often starts with a conversation about cash-flow. “As margins have tightened, customers have become more focused on comparing payment options, calculating cost per acre and structuring their financing to meet their cash-flow needs,” he says. “At AgDirect, we have a lot of options we can put in front of producers in addition to the traditional loan products they are accustomed to seeing, and we have many tools and resources – including our AgDirect Mobile app – to help them determine what they can comfortably afford.” Making an equipment purchase this year? Contact your nearest AgDirect territory manager or the AgDirect Finance team at 888-525-9805. AgDirect is an ag eqipment financing program offered by FCS Financial and the partners of AgDirect, LLP. Available through equipment dealers, the program offers highly competitive options for buying, leasing and refinancing with quick decisions and flexible terms. Register to Attend a Free Ag Seminar. On Monday, September 10, join us in Springfield to hear Dr. David Kohl and Mark Russell. The meeting will be held at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, 3001 N Grant Ave, Springfield, Mo. Registration begins at 5 p.m. and adjourns at 9 p.m. Dr. Kohl, Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Finance and Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship at Virginia Tech, will present an agricultural update and the road ahead. Hear his key points on global economic trends and the state of the US economy. Dr. Kohl will also share common business and financial practices that will proactively position your business, regardless of economic cycles. Mark Russell, Executive Director of the Missouri Beef Industry Council, will speak about the top issues facing Missouri beef producers in today’s market. On Tuesday, September 11, we will be in Columbia with a program for young, beginning producers featuring Dr. Kohl and Richard Fordyce. The meeting will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn, 3300 Vandiver Drive, Columbia, Mo. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and adjourns at 3 p.m. At this seminar, Dr. Kohl will share trends in agricultural economics and specifically address how they can be a challenge and an opportunity for young and beginning farmers. Richard Fordyce, Administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), will discuss programs available for young, beginning farmers through FSA. Finally, engage with FCS Financial experts during a panel discussion. Have your lending and insurance questions answered by local staff who understand agriculture, farming and finance. Meals and refreshments will be provided at each meeting. Space is limited and advance reservations are required by September 4. To reserve your spot, register online at www.myfcsfinancial.com or call your FCS Financial office at 1-800-444-3276. HEARTBEAT | SUMMER 2018 23