Agricultural Loan Officer

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday (Some evenings and weekends if needed)

Responsible for developing, managing, and growing an agricultural loan portfolio through relationship-based banking. This role focuses on serving farmers, agribusinesses, and rural customers by providing tailored financial solutions that support long-term success. The Agricultural Lender builds strong relationships, evaluates creditworthiness, structures sound loan solutions, and ensures ongoing portfolio quality and profitability while actively supporting the Bank’s mission of building stronger communities.

• Develop and maintain a pipeline of agricultural lending opportunities through proactive calling efforts, farm visits, engagement with customers, prospects, and Centers of Influence (COIs).
• Interview applicants to determine credit needs and gather financial, operational, and collateral information for loan applications.
• Analyze financial statements, tax returns, production history, and collateral to assess creditworthiness and determine appropriate loan structure.
• Structure agricultural loans within Bank policy, including operating lines, equipment financing, real estate, and other ag-related credit needs.
• Approve loans within established authority or present opportunities to the Credit Department and/or Loan Committee for approval.
• Prepare and present financing proposals and letters of commitment to customers in a clear, professional manner.
• Ensure timely and accurate loan closing, documentation, and funding.
• Manage and monitor assigned loan portfolio, including renewals, modifications, updated financial analysis, and ongoing credit quality.
• Monitor borrower performance, including crop cycles, market conditions, financial reporting, and repayment capacity.
• Take primary responsibility for collection efforts within assigned portfolio, addressing issues proactively.
  
  Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, internal teams, local professionals, and community organizations.
• Cross-sell additional Bank products and services to meet customer needs and strengthen relationships.
• Represent the Bank through active participation in agricultural, community, and professional organizations and events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Agriculture, Finance, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of lending or financial services experience, with agricultural lending experience strongly preferred.
• Formal credit training preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to develop new business and achieve loan growth goals.
• Knowledge of local market and agricultural community is highly desirable.

• Strong understanding of agricultural operations, cycles, and financial drivers preferred.
• Ability to analyze and interpret financial statements, tax returns, and credit reports.
• Sound judgment in decision-making, problem-solving, and relationship management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present and explain financial solutions.
• Ability to build trust and maintain long-term customer relationships.
• High level of accuracy, organization, and attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills, including credit underwriting and loan structuring.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, and other Windows-based systems).