NORMAL, ILL. – Rachel Hatch is the new communications specialist for 1st Farm Credit Services.

Working in the central office in Normal, Hatch’s duties will include producing internal and external communications for the 20 branch offices of 1st Farm Credit Services across Central, Northern and Western Illinois.

Hatch is a graduate of Western Illinois University in Macomb with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in history. She came to 1st Farm Credit Services after several years as a freelance writer.

"I look forward to informing clients of new ideas with the innovative people of 1st Farm Credit Services, who understand the future and importance of agriculture," said Hatch.

1st Farm Credit Services leads the industry in farm real estate loans, and provides various services such as crop insurance, loan and lease options, as well as farmland appraisals. The cooperative serves 42 counties in the northern half of Illinois through its 20 local offices.