5 Questions Borrowers Should Ask Before Choosing an Ag Lender

If you’re a farmer or rancher with strong credit, organized books, and a clear vision for your operation, you deserve more than vague answers and dead-end conversations from lenders. Yet too often, high-quality borrowers waste valuable time being strung along by institutions that promise help, but fail to deliver when it counts. Whether you’re looking to purchase land, refinance existing debt, or expand your operation, the lender you choose should offer more than speed and automation—they should offer strategy, service, and clarity.

At Ag Lending Group, we believe good borrowers deserve great partnerships. To help you find the right fit, here are five smart questions every high-quality borrower should ask before signing on with a lender.

1. Who will I actually be working with?

Many lending institutions talk a big game about personalized service—but when you call, you get an answering service or an ever-changing list of representatives. As a serious borrower, you want to know the person (or small team) you’ll be working with from start to finish.

Look for lenders who offer direct communication with decision-makers. Ask: Will I have one point of contact? Can I speak directly to my loan officer? Will they understand agriculture and my operation specifically?

At Ag Lending Group, you won’t get bounced around. You’ll talk to a real person—every time—who takes the time to understand your story and guide you through the process.

2. How do you structure loans based on individual needs?

Every farm and ranch is different. Yet too many lenders push borrowers into templated programs that don’t align with their goals. A quality lender should ask detailed questions about your operation, cash flow, long-term plans, and growth opportunities—and then build a custom loan strategy around that.

Ask your lender: Will my loan be structured with flexibility for my seasonal income? Are there interest-only periods or staged disbursements available? Do you offer refinancing options tailored to my financial goals?

The right lender isn’t just selling money—they’re helping you build a financial roadmap.

3. How quickly can I get pre-approved—and what does that process look like?

Pre-approval timelines can be a major differentiator. If you’ve got your financials in order, you shouldn’t have to wait weeks for a basic answer. But it’s not just about speed—it’s about clarity.

Ask: What do you need from me to get pre-approved? How long will it take? What will I walk away with—a verbal estimate or a real, actionable pre-approval?

At Ag Lending Group, many of our creditworthy borrowers receive pre-approvals within a few days of submitting clean financials. We move with purpose—without cutting corners.

4. What happens if the first option doesn’t work? Do you explore alternatives?

This is a big one. High-quality borrowers often get told “no” by traditional banks when they don’t fit a narrow box—even if they’re financially solid. You need a lender who doesn’t stop at the first “no” but looks for alternate pathways and programs that might better fit your situation.

Ask: If one program doesn’t fit, do you have access to others? Will you go to bat for me? Are you willing to dig deeper to make it work?

A good lender should act like a strategic partner, not a gatekeeper. At Ag Lending Group, we often identify multiple options and help you choose the one that makes the most sense.

5. How much time will I spend chasing paperwork vs. running my business?

Farming and ranching are full-time jobs—the last thing you need is to spend hours following up, resending documents, or wondering where your loan stands. A good lender makes the process efficient, transparent, and respectful of your time.

Ask: Do you have a streamlined document system? Will someone guide me through what I need and when? Can I track the progress of my loan easily?

At Ag Lending Group, we respect your time. We give you clear checklists, ongoing updates, and real people who take the lead so you can focus on your operation.

The Right Questions Lead to the Right Lender

When you’re a strong borrower, you shouldn’t have to settle for a subpar lending experience. Asking the right questions helps ensure you’re working with a team that values your time, understands your goals, and works to build a financing solution that truly fits.

If you’re tired of getting passed around, stuck in automated systems, or fed generic advice, it’s time to partner with a lender who puts you first.

Ready for a Smarter Lending Experience?

Ag Lending Group specializes in thoughtful, personalized financing solutions for farmers and ranchers. Whether you’re looking to expand, refinance, or purchase your first piece of land, we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.

📍 Download our free Loan Information Packet at www.aglendinggroup.com
📞 Or call us directly at (602) 223-1236 to start the conversation.