When and How to Talk to a Lender About Fall & Winter Plans

As the growing season wraps up and combines roll through the fields, farmers across America turn their attention to what’s ahead. Whether it’s applying for a new farm operating loan, refinancing existing debt, or managing off-season cash flow, fall is the time to talk to your lender.

This guide helps you understand when to schedule that lender conversation, how to prepare, and what options may be available to you—like loan modification, refinancing, or forbearance. Plus, we’ll show how using FarmRaise, a farm-specific bookkeeping software, makes you a stronger borrower and streamlines the whole process.

Why Talk to Your Lender Before Fall and Winter?

Most farmers associate spring with planting and loan season—but fall is just as important when it comes to managing your financial situation. Here's why:

1. Off-Season Cash Flow Is Tight

After harvest, incoming cash slows while expenses continue. If you’ve taken out operating loans to fund seed, fuel, and fertilizer, you may need to restructure payments or seek a bridge solution for winter.

2. Interest Rates Are Always Moving

The cost of capital could rise in the coming months. By refinancing or locking in fixed loan terms now, you may avoid paying more later—especially for long-term farm real estate or equipment loans.

3. Loan Renewal Season Begins Early

For many farm loans, renewal paperwork is due before January. Talking to your lender now ensures you’re ahead of deadlines—and not scrambling over the holidays.

4. Avoid Delinquency or Foreclosure

If you’re behind on your monthly mortgage payment or at risk of default, early communication can open the door to assistance programs like forbearance, loan modification, or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure options.

When to Start the Conversation

The best time to contact your farm loan officer, ag lender, or servicer is late August through early October. This window allows enough time to:

• Evaluate your books
• Make forecasts for the winter and next year
• Apply for refinancing or new funding
• Avoid rushed decisions or missed opportunities

What to Bring to the Table

Come prepared. Lenders want more than just a handshake. Here’s what they’ll expect:

Farm Financials

Use FarmRaise to generate clear income and expense reports. [Accurate books](https://www.farmraise.com/blog/how-organized-farm-records-make-life-easier-and-get-you-funded-faster?) are essential for loan modification, new loan applications, or avoiding foreclosure.

Balance Sheets & Cash Flow Forecasts

Show what assets and liabilities you have, plus how much you expect to earn or spend over the next few months.

Land or Equipment Appraisal

For real estate loans, bring current valuation data to support your loan request.

Credit Score

A good score can unlock better interest rates and terms.

Documentation of Prior Loans

Include any monthly mortgage payments, closing costs, and whether you’re applying in lieu of foreclosure.

How FarmRaise Helps You Look Lender-Ready

No one likes digging through notebooks or outdated spreadsheets. That’s why farmers are switching to FarmRaise—a digital farm bookkeeping software that saves time and makes lender meetings smoother.

Track All Farm Expenses

From fuel and fertilizer to vet bills and loan payments, FarmRaise helps categorize every transaction.

Generate Lender-Ready Reports

With a few clicks, export profit/loss statements, cash flow forecasts, and budget summaries to hand to your lender.

Access from Anywhere

Whether you're at the bank, the field, or your kitchen table, FarmRaise runs on the cloud(https://www.farmraise.com/blog/why-mobile-friendly-accounting-software-is-a-must-for-farmers-on-the-go?)—no paper binders required.

Support for All Farm Loan Types

Organize records for everything from operating lines of credit to farm mortgage loans, home equity options, and FSA loans.

Talking Points: What to Ask Your Lender

Come armed with questions that help you compare options and prevent surprises:

• “Can we look at refinancing my operating loan with a lower interest rate?”
• “Do I qualify for loan modification based on this year’s income and expenses?”
• “What’s the process for renewing my equipment loan or real estate mortgage loan?”
• “Are there any assistance programs or HUD-backed (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) tools for farm borrowers?”
• “What are the closing costs or fees associated with switching to a new lender?”
• “What happens if I need a short-term forbearance during winter?”

Common Concerns and FAQs for Farmers

What if I can’t make my loan payments this winter?

Ask about loan forbearance, restructured repayment plans, or short-term assistance. Early notice shows responsibility.

Will refinancing hurt my credit score?

There may be a temporary dip, but responsible refinancing can improve your credit score over time—especially if it lowers your monthly payment.

Can I consolidate multiple loans into one?

Yes. A new loan that combines operating, equipment, or land loans can reduce stress and simplify budgeting.

What’s the risk of foreclosure?

If you’re more than 90 days late, lenders may begin foreclosure proceedings. Before that point, you may still be eligible for forbearance, HUD counseling, or a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure arrangement.

Can a housing counselor help me as a farmer?

Absolutely. Certified housing counselors through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development can help navigate complicated loans, especially if they’re tied to your homeownership or home equity.

Pro Tips: Plan Now for Next Season’s Success

Fall is also the time to map out your next year. Use FarmRaise to:

• Update inventory and create custom reports
• Connect bank and credit cards for automatic transaction access
• Track your mileage

The better you understand your books now, the more confident and strategic you’ll be in front of your lender.

The Bottom Line: Be Proactive, Not Reactive

Lenders want to help borrowers who stay ahead of the game. Instead of waiting for winter stress to build, talk to your lender today about:

• Loan renewal timelines
• Refinancing options
• Winter cash flow needs
• Loan modification eligibility
• Credit score impacts
• Assistance programs through HUD or USDA

And don’t forget—FarmRaise is your partner in organizing and presenting the data that lenders care about.

Start preparing for your lender meeting today.

👉 Sign up for FarmRaise bookkeeping and get your farm financials in shape.

Use code 8MELC9B or sign up with this link now!

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