Farm Credit Services earnings up in first half of year

 

By JERRY PERKINS

Des Moines Register - Iowa

August 4, 2008

 

Farm Credit Services of America, an Omaha-based agricultural lender, reported $99 million in net earnings during the first six months of 2008, compared to $84.5 million for the same period a year ago.

 

The increased earnings came from an increase in net interest income from larger loan volume that rose to $13.6 billion, an increase of $1.4 billion from year-end.

 

Doug Stark, president of Farm Credit Services of America, said the current agricultural environment requires significant capital to meet the demand of higher land prices, increasing input costs and commodity marketing strategies.

 

“Fortunately we have the financial strength and capacity to meet the escalating financial needs of our customers,” Stark said.

 

Farm Credit Services lends to 73,000 borrowers in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming.

 

desmoinesregister.com