AgFirst, CoBank partner to expand access to resources for young, beginning and small farmers

AgFirst Farm Credit Bank and CoBank are partnering to significantly expand access to AgBizInfo.com, an innovative digital platform designed to support young, beginning and small (YBS) farmers and ranchers across the country. 

As part of the agreement, CoBank will sponsor membership for its 16 affiliated Farm Credit associations, enabling them to join the AgBizInfo platform and connect directly with emerging farmers and ranchers seeking financial guidance and support. This expansion brings the total number of participating associations to 33, representing 60% of the Farm Credit System from Hawaii to Puerto Rico. 

“Outreach to YBS farmers is a core pillar of the Farm Credit mission,” said Juan Silvera, AgFirst’s Chief Marketing Officer. “This partnership not only strengthens that commitment but also sends a clear message to the broader agricultural community about the tangible support being provided to this vital segment.” 

“At CoBank, we recognize that the future of agriculture depends on the success of young, beginning and small farmers,” said Brenda Frank, CoBank’s Executive Vice President of Farm Credit Banking. “By partnering with AgFirst to expand access to AgBizInfo.com, we’re helping ensure that these emerging producers have the tools, resources and connections they need to thrive. This initiative reflects our deep commitment to supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders across rural America.” 

Launched a year ago, AgBizInfo.com offers a one-of-a-kind digital experience tailored to the unique needs of startup farmers. 

The platform features: 

• Exclusive educational content tailored to beginning farmers, such as podcasts, videos and blogs to support business planning and growth.
• Interactive tools and downloadable resources, including loan calculators, a business plan template and a cash flow worksheet, to make business and financial planning easier.
• An easy way to initiate contact with Farm Credit lenders near you who understand the unique needs of agricultural financing and can help guide you through the process. 

Research shows that many YBS farmers begin their journey online, yet often struggle to find relevant, trustworthy resources. AgBizInfo fills that gap while also introducing the Farm Credit brand to a new generation of farmers. Through the platform, users can easily connect with local loan officers, explore financing opportunities, and access tools to help turn their agricultural dreams into reality. 

Visit AgBizInfo.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to stay informed and inspired. 

About AgFirst 

Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., AgFirst Farm Credit Bank is one of four wholesale banks in the nationwide Farm Credit System. Farm Credit has supported rural communities and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services for more than 100 years. AgFirst is a cooperative that provides funding and services to association partners in 15 states and Puerto Rico. 

About CoBank 

CoBank is a cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states. The bank also provides wholesale loans and other financial services to affiliated Farm Credit associations serving more than 78,000 farmers, ranchers and other rural borrowers in 23 states around the country. CoBank is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of banks and retail lending associations chartered to support the borrowing needs of U.S. agriculture, rural infrastructure and rural communities. Headquartered outside Denver, Colorado, CoBank serves customers from regional banking centers across the U.S. and also maintains an international representative office in Singapore.