When most people think of ag lending, they picture government programs like FSA loans or large financial institutions like Farm Credit. But what happens when a land buyer doesn’t fit neatly into one of those lending “boxes”? Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a full-time farmer with complex finances, or a multi-state rancher expanding your operation, the traditional system can feel slow, frustrating, or downright inaccessible.

On a recent episode of the National Land Podcast, Richard Cook and Madison Durkin of Ag Lending Group spoke about how their team is helping clients bypass the bureaucracy and access the funding they need without sacrificing trust, service, or speed.

Same Capital Markets, More Flexibility

As a private lender, Ag Lending Group doesn’t rely on FSA funds. Instead, they work with private capital markets, including some of the same sources used by major lenders like Farm Credit. This allows them to remain competitive on interest rates and terms, while cutting out the layers of red tape.

“Our capital comes from Wall Street, but we’re not suits and ties,” said Madison Durkin, a loan officer at Ag Lending Group. “We work hard to find the right fit for every client. Sometimes that’s a private loan, sometimes it’s helping someone get ready for FSA or Farm Credit down the line.”

In fact, some of their clients later graduate into traditional ag loan programs after cleaning up financials or building credit, thanks in part to the team’s guidance and long-term relationships.

What Makes Private Lenders Different?

Unlike federal loan programs, which can often come with rigid criteria, long processing times, and narrowly defined borrower profiles, private lenders like Ag Lending Group bring flexibility and a more personalized approach. 

They evaluate borrowers using a broader lens, factoring in off-farm income, alternative revenue streams, and real-life circumstances that might disqualify someone from an FSA or Farmer Mac loan. As Durkin put it, “We manage the financing. You manage the farm,” emphasizing their mission to simplify the process for landowners rather than complicate it with red tape.

Another key difference is the relationship-driven, results-based model. Ag Lending Group doesn’t charge upfront fees or retainers; they’re paid only when the loan closes. “It aligns us with our clients,” Durkin said. “We don’t benefit unless they succeed.” That mindset extends to how they work with clients. They don’t expect polished financials or perfect paperwork. Whether a borrower submits spreadsheets from a CPA or a balance sheet on a napkin, the team meets them where they are, offering hands-on support, debt restructuring help, and financing tailored to each unique operation.

If you’ve ever felt alienated by the traditional lending process, you’re not alone. Private lenders like Ag Lending Group prove that alternative lending doesn’t mean risky lending, and can provide flexible, personalized options for ag producers.

If you’ve got questions about ag lending in your area, get in touch with your local Land Professional today!