Ag Loan Officer

Ag Loan Officer

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Loan Origination & Portfolio Management:

• Loan Origination:
• Initiate and develop relationships with agricultural clients to understand their financing needs (e.g., working capital, equipment loans, real estate, and other agricultural needs).
• Conduct detailed client meetings, gather necessary financial information, and assess clients’ eligibility for loans.
• Review credit history, financial statements, and other relevant data to evaluate the financial stability of applicants.
• Recommend appropriate loan products tailored to the client's agricultural needs.
• Portfolio Management:
• Manage an ongoing portfolio of primarily agricultural loans, ensuring timely follow-ups with clients regarding renewals, modifications, or additional financing needs. This portfolio will also contain a mix of consumer, commercial and residential real estate loans.
• Monitor loan performance to ensure accounts remain current and address any delinquencies or payment issues promptly.
• Ensure all loans are processed and serviced according to internal policies, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.

2. Credit Analysis & Risk Assessment:

• Conduct comprehensive risk assessments to determine the borrower’s ability to repay the loan, utilizing financial data, industry trends, and market conditions.
• Assess collateral, including farmland, equipment, and other assets, to establish the value and adequacy of security for loans.
• Work closely with the bank’s credit department to ensure all loan applications meet internal underwriting guidelines and industry regulations.
• Prepare detailed loan proposals and financial analyses for management and board approval.

3. Client Relationship Management & Service:

• Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with current and potential agricultural clients by offering personalized, knowledgeable financial advice.
• Act as a primary point of contact for agricultural clients, ensuring their needs are met and concerns addressed.
• Follow up regularly with clients to ensure they are satisfied with their loan products and services.
• Provide guidance on financial matters, including cash flow management, debt structuring, and long-term financial planning specific to agriculture.

4. Marketing and Community Outreach:

• Represent the bank within the agricultural community by attending local events, county fairs, and industry conferences to build a network and promote loan offerings.
• Develop and implement marketing strategies to raise awareness about the bank's agricultural loan products within the community.
• Build relationships with local farm bureaus, co-ops, and other agricultural organizations to better understand industry challenges and identify opportunities for the bank’s services.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities, including expanding existing relationships and prospecting new agricultural clients.

5. Loan Documentation & Compliance:

• Ensure that all loan documentation, including promissory notes, and collateral documentation, is accurately completed and filed in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Review loan applications for completeness and compliance with bank policies, ensuring that all required documents and information are gathered.
• Collaborate with loan committee and compliance teams to ensure all loans comply with applicable laws, including the Farm Credit Administration (FCA) and other regulatory bodies.
• Maintain up-to-date records of loan disbursements, repayments, and outstanding balances, ensuring transparency and accountability.

6. Financial Reporting & Loan Portfolio Monitoring:

• Monitor the health of your agricultural loan portfolio by conducting regular loan reviews and assessments of borrower financial stability.
• Provide detailed reports to senior management on loan portfolio performance, identifying any risk or trends that may impact loan quality.
• Ensure that financial reports related to loan balances, delinquencies, and other key metrics are generated and submitted in a timely manner.
• Perform annual site visits to client operations to assess the condition of assets used as collateral and ensure ongoing loan viability.

7. Collaboration & Cross-Functional Coordination:

• Work closely with internal departments to ensure smooth loan origination and servicing processes.
• Participate in weekly team meetings and collaborate with colleagues to identify opportunities to improve processes and enhance the customer experience.
• Coordinate with the bank’s marketing and product development teams to provide feedback on client needs and suggest improvements to loan products.

8. Continuous Learning & Professional Development:

• Stay up-to-date with the latest trends, developments, and regulatory changes in the agricultural and banking industries.
• Participate in ongoing training and certification opportunities related to agricultural finance, lending practices, and compliance regulations.
• Develop an in-depth knowledge of Iowa’s agricultural landscape, including key sectors such as crop production, livestock, and agribusiness.

Position Overview:

As an Agricultural Loan Officer, you will be responsible for identifying, assessing, and approving loan applications for farmers and other agricultural businesses. You will leverage your agricultural expertise and lending experience to provide customized financial solutions that help customers grow operations. You will also have exposure to consumer, commercial and residential real estate lending. This position provides an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic, community-oriented environment, contributing to the economic development of agriculture.

Key Responsibilities:

• Loan Origination & Management:
• Originate and manage agricultural loan portfolios, including working with clients to understand their needs and provide tailored financial solutions.
• Conduct in-depth credit analysis, risk assessments, and financial statement reviews to evaluate loan applications.
• Prepare loan proposals, ensuring compliance with bank policies and regulatory guidelines.
• Client Relationship Building:
• Cultivate strong, long-lasting relationships with new and existing agricultural clients.
• Offer expert advice on loan products, interest rates, and repayment terms, ensuring clients understand the financial products best suited for their needs.
• Community Outreach:
• Engage with local farmers, agribusinesses, and agricultural organizations to promote the bank’s agricultural loan services.
• Attend industry events and participate in networking opportunities to stay up to date on local agricultural trends and developments.
• Compliance & Reporting:
• Ensure all loans comply with federal and state regulations as well as bank policies.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date loan documentation and records.
• Provide regular reports on loan portfolio performance and ensure timely loan renewals.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Work closely with other bank departments, including underwriting and risk management, to ensure smooth loan processing and service delivery.

Qualifications:

• Education & Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Business, Finance, or related field (preferred).
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in agricultural lending, banking, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of agricultural industry trends, operations, and financing needs.
• Skills & Attributes:
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain client relationships.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to assess financial data and make sound lending decisions.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities.
• Knowledge of Iowa agricultural markets and regional trends is preferred.
• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency with banking software, Web Equity, and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, etc.).
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance related to agricultural lending.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
• Opportunity for career growth and development within a supportive, community-driven organization.
• Work-life balance in a welcoming and collaborative team environment.