Large farm with red barns and silos

The Ag Producer’s Guide to Building Wealth

August 4, 2025

In today’s rapidly evolving ag economy, building wealth as a producer requires more than just managing yields and market prices. It demands a holistic approach—one that integrates banking, financial planning, and long-term strategy. Planning isn’t just about what happens after you’re gone—it’s about making sure your values, your land and your life’s work continue to serve your family and community for generations to come.

At TS Bank, we believe in empowering producers with the tools, relationships and insights to grow not just their operations, but their legacy.

1. Think Beyond the Balance Sheet

Wealth-building starts with understanding that your farm is both a business and a family asset. That’s why we advocate for whole-farm, whole-family financial planning—aligning your operational goals with succession, estate and tax strategies.

This approach ensures that your financial decisions today support your long-term vision, whether that’s expanding acreage, transitioning ownership, or preserving your land for future generations. It’s not just about profitability—it’s about purpose.

2. Leverage the Right Financial Tools

From operating lines to equipment loans and real estate financing, TS Bank offers a full suite of ag-specific lending solutions. But the real value comes from how these tools are integrated into your broader financial picture.

  • Operating Loans: Manage seasonal cash flow with flexible terms.
  • Equipment Loans: Upgrade machinery without disrupting liquidity.
  • Ag Real Estate Loans: Expand your footprint with confidence.

Our digital banking platform also gives you a unified view of your farm and household finances—helping you make informed decisions with clarity and confidence.

🧾 Tax Planning for the 1–5 Year Horizon

Farmers are highly motivated to minimize and defer their tax burden. That’s why we incorporate short- and mid-term tax planning into our financial strategy conversations. Whether it’s timing capital purchases, managing depreciation schedules or evaluating entity structures, our advisors help you make tax-smart decisions that support liquidity and long-term growth.

3. Build a Team, Not Just a Transaction

Wealth isn’t built in isolation. That’s why our model is team-based and advisory-facilitated, not product-centric. You’ll work with a dedicated relationship manager who orchestrates a team of specialists—from credit to tax—so you can focus on what you do best: running your operation.

This collaborative approach ensures that every financial decision is aligned with your goals, risk tolerance, and long-term vision. It’s not just about getting a loan—it’s about building a relationship that grows with you.

4. Plan for the Next Generation

Succession planning is one of the most overlooked (and emotionally complex) aspects of farm wealth. Whether you’re transitioning to a family member or a trusted partner, we help you navigate:

  • Ownership structures
  • Tax implications
  • Estate equalization
  • Legacy and philanthropic goals

As farming operations grow in size and complexity, so do the stakes of estate planning. With fewer farmers and more non-farming heirs, it’s critical to have a plan that balances fairness, continuity, and clarity. We encourage producers to go beyond just drafting a will. Consider setting up a trust, assigning a financial power of attorney, and holding early family meetings to document intentions and reduce future misunderstandings.

🧾 Estate Planning Essentials for Producers

  • Draft and regularly update your will
  • Consider a trust for asset protection and privacy
  • Set healthcare directives and power of attorney
  • Review beneficiary designations
  • Evaluate life insurance needs
  • Discuss land retention vs. sale with heirs
  • Hold a family meeting and document the discussion

Just like restoring a barn, building generational wealth takes vision, patience and the right partners. It’s not just about what you build—it’s about what you preserve.

5. Stay Resilient in a Changing Landscape

From climate volatility to market consolidation, today’s producers face unprecedented challenges. But with the right financial strategy, these challenges can become opportunities. We will help you:

  • Stress-test your cash flow
  • Diversify income streams
  • Optimize debt structure
  • Prepare for policy and market shifts

Resilience isn’t just about weathering storms—it’s about positioning your operation to thrive in any environment.

6. Additional Planning Considerations

  • College Financial Planning: Helping families prepare for education costs while maintaining farm liquidity.
  • Inheritance Preparation: Guiding clients who expect to receive farmland or operational assets.
  • Retirement Timing & Social Security: Advising on optimal timing for retirement and benefit elections to maximize income and minimize tax impact.

Final Word: Wealth Is More Than Net Worth

At TS Bank, we believe wealth is about freedom, legacy and peace of mind. Whether you’re just starting out or planning your retirement, our goal is to help you build a financial foundation that supports your values and vision.

Let’s grow something that lasts.

At TS Bank, we IGNITE PROSPERITY® by helping our clients do more with their money. Whether it’s saving a little extra cash each month or accomplishing a long-term strategy, our goal is to help you transform your financial life. Call and schedule an appointment today, one of our team members would love to help you do more with your money at TS Bank. TS Bank has eight locations in central and southwest Iowa. For more information visit tsbank.com or call 844-487-3030. #igniteprosperity