From Vision to Plan

Knowing which tools you need goes far beyond equipment

Starting up your own operation can feel overwhelming. We're here to help.

Explore our financial tools to help you manage and grow your business. Dive into educational resources designed to sharpen your skills and keep you ahead of the curve. And watch on-demand webinars to learn from industry experts and gain actionable insights.

How to apply for a business loan

Getting a business loan for an agricultural, forestry or a fishery operation can be different than a typical mortgage application or opening a credit card. Check out the information and resources below for an overview of what you’ll need to start your process.

The business plan is a road map to show how you will move from where you are today, to where you want your operation to be in the future. The plan shows a lender that you’ve thought seriously about your goals and plans for the business and you understand all parts of your operation.

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Lenders typically require a down payment for new purchases because it lowers the risk should you default, especially if you fail to make payments in the early years when more is owed on the loan. The larger the down payment, the less you pay each month in both principal and interest. Down payment assistance programs are available for young, beginning or small farm producers who qualify.

Collateral is simply an asset that lenders accept as security for a loan. The types of collateral typically used to secure an ag loan include a home, real estate, farm equipment, livestock, inventory or crop production.

A credit score is a number lenders use to estimate risk. Experience has shown that borrowers with higher credit scores are less likely to default on a loan. The three major credit reporting agencies – Transunion, Equifax and Experian – don’t necessarily use the same scoring software, so don’t be surprised if the scores they generate are different.

What parts of a credit history are most important? Here is a breakdown of the approximate value that each aspect of your credit report adds to a credit score calculation.

35% -- Your Payment History

30% -- Amounts You Owe

15% -- Length of Your Credit History

10% -- Types of Credit Used

10% -- New Credit

What is a good credit score? Credit scores (usually) range from 340 to 850. As your score climbs, access to credit typically increases. Borrowers with a credit score over 700 are typically offered more financing options, but don’t be discouraged if your scores are lower; there may still be a loan product available to you.

IN THIS SECTION

Industries and Economics

Industry Insights

Almonds and Pistachios
Apples
Cattle
Crop Inputs
Dairy
Forest Products
Hay
Lemons and oranges
Potatoes
Wheat
Wine and Wine Grapes

Economic Updates

Macroeconomic and Interest Rate Outlooks
Updates from the Fed
Monthly Economic Headlines
Agricultural Trends
Economic Impact Study

Weather

Business Resources

Family Business Planning
Building a Strategic Business Plan
Risk Management Planning

AgVision Education and Resources

Managing Farm Stress

Financial Tools

Planning for Business Growth

Preparing for Business Growth
Assessing Growth Opportunities

Preparing Financial Statements

Balance Sheet Basics
Cash Flow Budget Basics
Income Statement Basics
Preparing Agricultural Financial Statements

Financial Calculators

Monthly Payment Calculator
Mortgage Refinance Calculator

Events

Fraud and Security

Your Greatest Risks
How AgWest Protects You

Useful financial tools and calculators

Use these powerful tools to estimate mortgage payments, develop a savings strategy for your business, or find your breakeven on a mortgage refinance.

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Do you have the financial information you need to apply?

Lenders request, and in most cases require, financial statements to accompany your request for credit. Financial statements show you have a detailed understanding of your business and its capacity to repay the loan. Wise business owners use financial statements in combination with production records to identify strengths and weaknesses in the operation. The three most common financial statements include a balance sheet, income statement and cash flow budget.

Financial Statement Tools

Balance Sheet

The balance sheet provides a snapshot of the business’ financial position at a specific point in time. It consists of three main parts: assets, liabilities, and owner equity. The balance sheet helps business operators evaluate important data and metrics, observe trends and plan for the future.

Income Statement

A business income statement, also called a profit and loss statement, is used to measure revenues, expenses, and net profits over a defined period of time, typically a year. Income statements can be used to determine income tax payments, evaluate potential for expansion and analyze loan repayment.

Cash Flow Budget

The cash flow budget summarizes cash inflows, outflows, balances, and loan activity for each month. It is useful in determining the need for operating lines of credit to cover cash flow deficits or the feasibility of making new investments.

Learning resources

ON-DEMAND LEARNING

Making the Numbers Work

Understanding your farm's financial flow

May 15, 2025
We're breaking down cash flow budgets in plain language and showing how this tool can help producers plan, manage variability and avoid surprises.

From Field to Funding

New farmer lending stories

December 16, 2025
Financing an agriculture operation shouldn’t be a mystery. We’re here to break down agricultural lending into clear, approachable steps.