How to Purchase Inputs with an Input Loan or Operating Line of Credit

Kathy Bogardus

Sep 07, 2023

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Purchasing inputs is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your operation every year. When buying those inputs, you likely weigh many factors like cash flow management, interest rates, overall cost savings and - potentially most importantly - flexibility in your financing options.

When shopping for inputs on FBN Direct®, you have the flexibility to pay for your purchase with:

  • Cash

  • Credit cards

  • An input loan offered by FBN Finance

  • An operating line of credit from FBN Finance

While cash and credit cards are straightforward payment options, input loans and operating lines of credit can be a bit less familiar to farmers. Let’s look at the differences between input loans and operating lines of credit.

What Is an Input Loan?

Input loans, which are only applicable to FBN input purchases, are fixed rate, non-revolving lines of $10,000 - $500,000. With this payment option, you won't have to make payments until January 1, 2025.

This payment option currently offers a promotional interest rate of 5.99%. Lock in this rate through August 31, 2024 if you spend a minimum of $50,000 on all FBN inputs or $10,000 in livestock products by November 21, 2023.

When you apply for an input loan with FBN Finance, you’ll go through a straightforward application process that can be approved in one business day.* 

What Is an Operating Line of Credit?

Operating lines of credit, which are not limited to only purchasing inputs, are fixed rate, revolving lines of $100,000 - $1 million. With this payment option, you won't have to make payments until March 1, 2025.

An FBN Finance operating line of credit can be used for a wide variety of approved ag operating expenses, including:

  • Buying inputs from FBN Direct or other vendors

  • Paying for rent or labor

  • Covering the cost of equipment or repairs

  • Financing other qualifying expenses

This payment option currently offers a promotional interest rate of 3.99%. Lock in this rate through August 31, 2024 if you spend a minimum of $50,000 on all FBN inputs or $10,000 in livestock products by November 21, 2023.

Which Financing Option Is Right for You? 

FBN Finances flexible financing options give you the power to purchase inputs and stay in control of your operation.

The table below outlines the main differences between the two financing options available from FBN, but you can also upgrade your input loan with an operating line from FBN Finance to do even more.

Qualified farmers approved for both loans will have up to $1.5 million in total spending power!

Input Line

Operating Line of Credit

Buy Inputs from FBN at Promotional Rate

5.99%

3.99%

Buy Inputs from Other Vendors ^

Standard Interest Rate

Pay for Rent ^

Standard Interest Rate

Pay for Equipment and Repairs ^

Standard Interest Rate

Pay for Labor ^

Standard Interest Rate

Documentation Required ^^

Driver’s License

Driver's License, Tax Return(s) & Entity Documents

Loan Type

Non-Revolving

Revolving

Available Credit

$10,000 - $500,000

$100,000 - $1,000,000

Payment Due Date

January 2025

March 2025

^ Subject to limitations in the financing agreements. Standard operating line rates apply.

^^ Further documentation may be required during the underwriting process


Input Loans and Operating Lines of Credit from FBN Finance

If you'd like to learn more about input loans or operating lines of credit, the FBN Finance team can help explain the application process and ensure it’s the right fit for your operation.

With an average of 15+ years' experience each in ag finance, FBN loan advisors are highly experienced and deeply familiar with the unique challenges of the ag industry. Our team is ready to talk you through all facets of the financing process and make sure you get the solution that best fits your needs. 

Click here to start your application today, complete the brief form below or call 855-209-1932 to speak with a loan advisor. 

Find the Inputs You Need on FBN Direct

With transparent pricing and savings opportunities, 24/7 digital shopping access, fast direct-to-farm delivery and detailed label information for each product, FBN Direct has the inputs you need to maximize your profit potential. Click here to explore available products, pricing, and other product details.


Related Resources


© 2014 - 2023 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. The sprout logo, “Farmers Business Network”, “FBN” are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc.

Financing offered by FBN Finance, LLC and its lending partners. Terms and conditions apply. To qualify, a borrower must be a member of Farmer’s Business Network, Inc. and meet all underwriting requirements. Interest rates and fees will vary depending on your individual situation. Not all applicants will qualify. NMLS ID: 1631119.

*Subject to final review and verification.

Qualified farmers who apply and accept (1) the terms of an Operating Line of Credit through FBN® Finance of $100,000 to $1,000,000 and payoff the balance in full by March 10, 2025 are eligible to receive a promotional interest rate of 3.99% when using the Operating Line of Credit  to finance purchases of input products made through FBN Direct® between September 1, 2023 - November 21, 2023 and a promotional interest rate of 4.99% when using the Operating Line of Credit  to finance purchases of input products made through FBN Direct® between November 22, 2023 - January 5, 2024. Qualifying input products include crop protection, adjuvant, crop nutrition, seed, animal health and livestock feed. Advances on the FBN® Finance Operating Line that are not for the purchase of input products from FBN Direct® will be charged interest at the stated (non-promotional) contract rate in the Operating Line of Credit loan agreement.**

Approved farmers who apply for and accept the terms of an FBN® Finance Operating Line and make a minimum $50,000 purchase of any input categories or $10,000 of animal health or livestock feed products only from FBN Direct® by November 21, 2023 or a $75,000 purchase of any input categories or $25,000 of animal health or livestock feed products only from FBN Direct® by January 5, 2024  will receive the benefit of automatic qualification for a promotional rate lock from FBN Direct®. The rate lock offers qualified farmers a promotional rate from 3.99% - 4.99% interest, based on the timing of qualification, on future purchases of input products only made through FBN Direct® by August 31, 2024. 

**Payments for all amounts owed under the associated FBN® Finance Operating Line of Credit are due March 1, 2025.  If the total balance for all amounts owed is not paid in full by March 10, 2025, interest charges on all purchases of input products made through FBN Direct® between September 1, 2023 - August 31, 2024, using an Operating Line of Credit through FBN® Finance will be imposed from the purchase date at the stated (non-promotional) contract rate in the Operating Line of Credit loan agreement.  

(1) Borrower will have seven (7) days from date of acceptance to sign loan notes and for loans greater than $500,000, thirty (30) days to fulfill all conditions outlined in the loan note. 

FBN Direct products and services and other products distributed by FBN Direct are offered by FBN Inputs, LLC and are available only in states where FBN Inputs, LLC is licensed and where those products are registered for sale or use, if applicable. If applicable, please check with your local extension service to ensure registration status. Nothing contained on this page, including the prices listed should be construed as an offer for sale, or a sale of products. All products and prices are subject to change at any time and without notice. Terms and conditions apply.

Qualified farmers must purchase within promotional period #1 (Sept 1 - Nov 21, 2023) to receive the 5.99% promotional rate or promotional period #2 (Nov 22, 2023 - Jan 5, 2024) to receive the 6.99% promotional rate. Any purchases made between January 5 - August 31,  2024 by farmers who did not qualify for the promotional rate lock will be financed at the variable standard financing rates. Farmers must complete a credit application and be approved by FBN Finance, LLC or our lending partner. Farmers must be credit qualified by FBN Finance, LLC, and all loan documents must be fully executed. Payment in full must be made by January 1, 2025; default interest rate charges apply.

Products sold or distributed through FBN Direct® are offered by FBN Inputs, LLC and are available only in states where FBN Inputs, LLC is licensed and where those products are registered for sale or use, if applicable. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration status. Terms and conditions apply.

FBN Finance, LLC commercial operating lines of credit are offered by FBN Finance, LLC and its financing partners, and are available only where FBN Finance, LLC is licensed. Terms and conditions apply. All credit is subject to approval and underwriting. Interest rates and fees will vary depending on your individual situation. Not all applicants will qualify.

Kathy Bogardus

Sep 07, 2023

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