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
Sen. Deb Fischer reintroduces the HAULS Act to update hours-of-service exemptions and definitions affecting livestock and agricultural haulers. She joins us on Market Day Report to share more about her proposed legislation.
Last year was a busy year for pesticide litigation in the United States. At No. 10, it kicks off RFD-TV Legal Expert Roger McEowen’s list of the “Top 10” Agricultural Law and Tax Developments of 2025.
On a spreadsheet, it looks like the ultimate way to harvest extra profit. But in the eyes of the IRS—as RFD-TV Farm Legal & Tax Expert Roger McEowen explains—this “tax-free” bank can quickly turn into a field full of weeds.
Bigger cows must wean proportionally heavier calves to justify higher ownership costs.
Read the full press release published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Lily Pryer’s passion shows how National FFA members are making an impact in classrooms and communities all across Rural America.
Farmer Bridge Assistance payments provide immediate balance-sheet support heading into 2026, but remain a short-term bridge rather than a substitute for long-term market recovery.
The New Year is here, but in Oregon, some ranchers and livestock producers are still trying to recover from record wildfires back in 2024.
High ownership does not always translate into high output, underscoring the importance of structural differences in understanding state-level farm performance.

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:

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said permanent access to the higher ethanol blend would provide farmers with much-needed certainty while supporting domestic crop demand.
Food prices increased in December, but not as much as expected, according to the latest Consumer Price Index from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joined us to provide analysis on the January WASDE report and expectations for grain markets going forward.
Market reaction was bearish for corn and soybeans, with analysts noting that abundant supplies amid tepid demand could keep price pressure on agricultural commodities.
The Farm Bureau’s honor highlights the important role farm dogs play on operations across the country, serving as dependable workers and trusted companions.
Logistics capacity remains available, but winter volatility favors flexible delivery and marketing plans. NGFA President Mike Seyfert provides insight into grain transportation trends, trade policy, and priorities for the year ahead.