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
Beef x Dairy cattle with strong genetics and documentation are earning prices comparable to native feeders.
Roger McEowen explains the concept of “lawfare” — the use of legal systems to intimidate or financially exhaust an opponent — which grew into a central theme of U.S. ag law in 2025.
Justin Wheeler with the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers joined us with insight into current farmland values and what to watch in the year ahead.
Tennessee 4-H members Jayden Hesson and Matthew Rochford joined us to discuss how 4-H is helping young leaders plan for the future of agriculture.
Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition shares how extreme winter weather is affecting the ag transportation network and what producers should keep in mind as conditions slowly improve.
Matt Brockman, Communications Director for the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, joined us with a look at how the legendary event is moving forward—weather and all.
Greater transparency into USDA-backed lending can help rural lenders and producers better assess credit availability and investment trends.
Roger McEowen, with the Washburn School of Law, offers an in-depth look at two of the top legal issues of 202. Today, he walks through last year’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) ruling and “lawfare.”
Lewis Williamson of HTS Commodities joined us with an update on the historic winter storm impacts and his outlook on today’s ag markets.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Tennessee FarmHER Bridget Bryant’s porch garden evolves into a sprawling community outreach project that provides fresh produce to those in need and teaches urban kids how to grow their own food.
“We’re living in a moment of massive change—in agriculture, in media, and in leadership . . .”
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joins us to discuss the signs and symptoms of cataracts, as well as the available treatment options.
Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law joins us now with the highlights.
The Arkansas Farm Bureau offers a ‘Beef in the Classroom’ grant to assist with ag education. Applications for that program open in August.
Seth Boffeli, AARP Fraud Watch Network Senior Advisor, brings us a preview of tonight’s “RURAL AMERICA LIVE with AARP,” which will focus on tips for fighting fraud.