NORMAL, ILL. – 1st Farm Credit Services recently topped more than $2 billion in loans and leasing.

Leading the industry in farm real estate loans, the cooperative has increased loans and leases by 50 percent over the last five years. The growth can be attributed to an increase in the number of clients the association serves, as well as expanding services for clients.

"Our growth is a reflection of value our team members provide our clients as well as the increasing needs of our clients," said 1st FCS President/CEO Gary Ash. "Over the last decade the company has worked to provide new products and services, responding to our clients’ changing needs."

Emerging areas such as crop insurance and equipment leasing at dealerships have given 1st FCS a competitive edge in the marketplace, said Ash. New programs, such as the innovative, revolving agricultural real estate loan called Equity 1st, give the company a unique position in the marketplace for rural America, he added.

Serving the northern half of Illinois within the Farm Credit System, 1st FCS assists nearly 10,000 clients in 42 counties in 20 local offices. The company’s growth has enabled 1st FCS to expand staff to improve service and allowed team members to specialize in the needs of agriculture and rural America.

"We’re growing in size, and that means we have the ability to serve everyone from the family farmer to commercial-sized farming operations and agribusiness ventures," said Ash. "Our client success has driven our success. We know we are a valuable partner in helping our clients with their financial needs and we take that responsibility very seriously."