What are the benefits of being a Farm Credit member?

One of the most important financial benefits of being a Farm Credit member-borrower is having the opportunity to share in the association's profits.

Most businesses return their profits to their owners, not their customers. When you borrow from Farm Credit, you become an owner of the business and are therefore entitled to share in the profits of the association.

At the end of each fiscal year, Farm Credit determines its total income and expenses. Income remaining after all expenses are deducted (the net income) can then be distributed in accordance with the association's bylaws.

The board of directors can elect to retain all of the net income to strengthen the association's capital position, or distribute some, or all, of the net income to members by declaring a dividend on stock or declaring a patronage refund.