Farm Credit Mid-America Returns $4.7 Million to Local Farmers

Cooperative to distribute $280 million in net earnings to customer-owners across Kentucky.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Farm Credit Mid-America, a cooperative agricultural lender, is returning $280 million in net earnings to eligible customer-owners this month through its annual patronage program. This includes more than $4.7 million to farmers served by the organization's Hopkinsville, Kentucky office, which covers Caldwell, Christian, Lyon, and Trigg counties.

Why it matters

The patronage payments come at a crucial time for farmers who are facing tight margins, higher input costs, and uncertainty in agricultural markets. The cooperative structure of Farm Credit Mid-America allows it to return these earnings to its farmer-customers, providing them with funds to help pay down debt, offset planting costs, reinvest in their operations, or strengthen their working capital.

The details

The $280 million in total patronage payments includes $34.4 million to farmers across Kentucky. Farm Credit Mid-America officials say the program reflects the organization's cooperative structure and commitment to supporting rural communities. In addition to the patronage program, the lender invests about $5 million annually in education initiatives, leadership development, youth programs, and support for future agricultural leaders.

  • Farm Credit Mid-America is distributing the $280 million in patronage payments to eligible customer-owners this month (March 2026).

The players

Farm Credit Mid-America

A cooperative agricultural lender that is returning $280 million in net earnings to its eligible customer-owners through an annual patronage program.

Mark Barker

The senior vice president of agricultural lending in Kentucky for Farm Credit Mid-America.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The distribution includes $34.4 million to farmers across Kentucky and $4.7 million to producers in Caldwell, Christian, Lyon, and Trigg counties.”

— Mark Barker, Senior Vice President of Agricultural Lending in Kentucky (wkdzradio.com)

The takeaway

Farm Credit Mid-America's patronage program demonstrates the benefits of the cooperative model in agricultural lending, allowing the organization to return substantial earnings to its farmer-customers when they need it most to support their operations and invest in their communities.