1st Farm Credit Services, based in Normal, Illinois, is the largest agricultural lender in Illinois. We serve farmers and those who invest in rural America, who live and work in the northern 42 counties, with all of their agricultural credit and financial needs. As a member of the Farm Credit System, we are part of a nationwide network that supplies credit and other services to farmers and rural operations across the United States. Together, all of the associations in the Farm Credit System provide the nation’s agricultural industry with more than one-third of its credit needs. The Farm Credit System was created in 1917, which has grown to become part of a multi-billion nationwide network of lending institutions. 1st Farm Credit Services is part of the system, and has become the largest agricultural lender in Illinois. 1st Farm Credit Services operates as a cooperative. The association is owned by more than 10,300 clients and is governed by a 17-member board of directors. Client-owners of the association elect 14 directors, while three are appointed by the board. Farm Credit institutions are funded differently than a local, commercial bank. We do not take deposits and the money used is raised by selling system-wide bonds on Wall Street. The earnings are then distributed through Farm Credit banks and associations to agricultural producers and cooperatives. This system allows for 1st Farm Credit Services to offer competitive interest rates and unlimited amount of money available to the agricultural sector.