Capitalizing on Credit: How Low-Risk Borrowing Can Benefit Your Bottom Line

RFD-TV Farm Legal and Tax Expert Roger McEowen explains the basics of Low-Risk Credit in Farming, and how an understanding of the farm credit landscape lets producers tactfully approach debt.

TOPEKA, Kan. (RFD-TV) — Borrowing capital is essential for farms, as it helps fund everything from inputs to land. While credit can come with some risks, there is a method to harvest success through credit without risking your farm’s bottom line.

RFD-TV Farm Legal and Tax Expert Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to explain the tactics of Low-Risk Credit Farming.

In his interview with RFD-TV News, McEowen explains the basics of low-risk credit farming and how understanding the farm credit landscape can help producers strike a good balance between risk and reward. He also discussed the difference between “good debt” and “bad debt,” and why business owners should be highly selective about the purpose of debt. Finally, he highlighted additional financial strategies for low-risk borrowing as well as the importance of finding a trusted advisor and maintaining a good relationship with your lender.

For McEowen’s in-depth look at Low-Risk Credit Farming, check out his Firm to Farm blog post on the topic by clicking the link below:

Firm to Farm: Low-Risk Credit Farming — Harvesting Success Without Sacrificing the Farm

Related Stories
Livestock strength is carrying the farm economy, while crop margins remain tight and increasingly dependent on risk management and financial discipline.
Strong balance sheets still matter, but liquidity, planning, and lender relationships are critical as ag credit tightens, according to analysis from AgAmerica Lending.
New Resource Makes It Easier for People to Access Data on Rural Development funded Projects in Rural Communities
In a landmark ruling delivered in late 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court significantly narrowed the scope of the National Environmental Policy Act.
Trade volatility and shifting export destinations increase marketing risk for producers heading into 2026.
Rising rural business confidence supports local ag economies, but taxes and labor shortages remain key constraints.
CoBank Knowledge Exchange’s Jeff Johnston shares the group’s positive perspective on expanding data centers into rural areas and weighs the risks and rewards for those communities.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer discusses how January’s WASDE report could impact ARC and PLC payments and updates on disaster relief programs as farmers navigate a challenging market environment.
Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Sid Miller joined us to discuss data center expansion, farmland preservation, rural economic impacts, and imminent cattle biosecurity concerns affecting agriculture today.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD-TV and The Cowboy Channel. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, adding a decade of experience in the digital side of broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The Midland County Junior Livestock Show in West Texas features a competitive steer showcase highlighting top-quality cattle and the accomplishments of driven youth exhibitors.
The Pennsylvania Farm Show continues through Saturday, wrapping up another successful year of celebrating agriculture in the Commonwealth.
Shaun Haney joined us to discuss Canada’s new trade agreement with China, the potential impact on farmers and exporters, and what it could mean for U.S.–Canada trade relations going forward.
National Corn Growers Association Chief Economist Krista Swanson discusses corn supply pressures, market fundamentals, policy considerations, and producer outlook for the year ahead.
The proposal signals a renewed push to offset tariff-driven losses, stabilize nutrition programs, and broaden eligibility for farm aid, though its path forward will depend on congressional negotiations.
The application deadline is March 8, 2026. The 1890 National Scholars Program aims to encourage students at 1890 land-grant universities to pursue careers in food, agriculture, and natural resource sciences.