Like many farmers, Gayle Stuart wears many hats. In addition to managing the day-to-day decisions on his corn, soybean and cattle operation, Stuart runs a shortline equipment business and a small trucking company from his farm near Vandalia, Missouri.
It was through Stuart’s role as a shortline equipment dealer that he first connected with AgDirect equipment financing at a nearby farm show.
“The first time I was introduced to AgDirect and started working with them it was really surprising how quickly they were able to respond with a credit decision,” he says. “With other lenders you never knew how long it was going to take.”
“The main reason I chose to work with AgDirect was on account of the simplicity of their financing and application,” Stuart adds. “They’re also very competitive with their interest rates.”
An equipment lender that understands agriculture
Friendly service and an unmatched focus on ag equipment financing are what keep Stuart working with AgDirect today.
“AgDirect understands agriculture and what a farmer needs. They are more receptive to your ideas of what you want to finance,” he explains.
“About a year ago we purchased a combine. The dealer wanted us to go through their financing, but we put the figures together and AgDirect was a lot more attractive than the dealership financing.”
Another example of how AgDirect helps producers like Stuart gain a competitive edge includes the loan, lease and refinancing options they offer for both new and used equipment.
“New equipment is nice, but I have a hard time handling some of the newer technology,” says Stuart. “All of the equipment we have purchased lately has been used and we’ve been able to finance it through AgDirect. The down payment required is very reasonable and it doesn’t seem to make much difference what year the used equipment is.”
For Stuart, deciding when to replace machinery depends largely on repair costs and how well his current equipment is meeting his needs. He says he appreciates the tools and resources AgDirect provides to help him justify purchases.
“AgDirect has up-to-date interest rate information and a payment calculator that I have used to figure out what my payments would be per year,” he shares. “It really helps you make a decision on whether you want to buy a piece of equipment or not.”
The same is true when Stuart is working with customers on sales through his shortline equipment business.
“I would definitely recommend AgDirect to a friend or neighbor, and in fact, I do recommend it to our customers if they are in need of financing,” he says. “I tell them AgDirect financing is part of the Farm Credit system. I also tell them approximately what the interest rate will be and how much they can expect to pay down, and that usually makes the sale about 80% of the time.”
Whether you’re a farmer or a dealer, AgDirect is dedicated to helping you and your customers find the right financing solutions. Hear more from Gayle or learn more about working with AgDirect as your equipment financing partner by contacting your nearest AgDirect territory manager or the AgDirect Finance team at 888-535-9005.