University of Missouri Agricultural Lenders School

June 2-6, 2008

Program
The Agricultural Lenders School offers a unique opportunity for lenders to learn both the detailed mechanics of agricultural credit analysis as well as to learn how the changing structure of agriculture will likely affect their businesses and their careers. A supportive environment of like-minded professionals learning together in small teams make this school fun as well as challenging. The mission of the school is to provide a solid curriculum for early career agricultural lenders by enabling them to assist producers toward making better credit decisions.

Target audience includes professionals in the agricultural lending industry who have:

Solid agricultural background or knowledge of agriculture production systems
College degree in Ag/Finance/Business or appropriate experience
Working knowledge of their institution's lending program

Graduates will be able to:

Conduct a focused interview with potential clients and compile information which best summarizes the business and owners' credit worthiness
Understand how to structure a client's credit for greatest success
Complete a loan analysis presentation about a client's business and character
Understand how to integrate the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement to analyze summary ratios for the business
Understand the issues involved in conducting and preparing a lien search, credit report, financing statement, and security agreements

Main Topics

U.S. Farm Situation
Ratio Analysis
Analyzing Integrated Financial Statements
Borrower vs. Lender Objectives
Legal Review
Emerging Issues in Agricultural Finance
Completing the Loan
Interviewing the Client
Servicing Issues Specific to Agriculture

All sessions and activities focus on practical application to an agricultural lending operation. Participants will work individually and interact within teams to enhance communication skill sets that are vital to remain competitive in today's market. Course instructors include:

Seasoned lending professionals
Top ranked agricultural finance instructors from leading universities
Leaders of agricultural businesses, financial institutions, and government agencies

Meet the Leading Instructor: Dr. Freddie Barnard Purdue University

Location
The Agricultural Lenders School will be held on the campus of the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri.
Lodging will be at the discretion of the participant and hotel options can be found at www.visitcolumbiamo.com.

Fees
The fee for the conference is $1,250 and includes program materials, lunches and one evening dinner. Registration deadline is April 25, 2008.

Registration Information

Online registration
Mail in completed registration form and fee, purchase order or credit card information to :
ALS, MU Conference Office, 348 Hearnes Center, Columbia, MO 65211
Fax completed form with purchase order or credit card information (573) 882-1953
Phone in registration to: (573) 882-4349
E-Mail: registration questions to: muconf6@missouri.edu

Here's what some previous participants had to say about the school:

"The Ag Lenders School is a very well rounded experience. I learned a lot from the classroom instruction, "hands on" exercises, and opportunities to interact with other lenders that has helped in my job activities."
Curtis Fischer, FCS Financial, Jefferson City, Missouri

"I definitely enjoyed the school and feel like I was able to bring various tools back to my bank that will benefit our relationships with our agricultural customers."
William Mowrer, Kennett National Bank, Kennett, Missouri

"This is an excellent program for Ag Lenders, with an exceptional mix of knowledgeable presenters and useful reference material. I found it very beneficial, as it gave me a different perspective on Ag credit."
Justin Oaks, Citizens Bank, Milan, Missouri

If you have questions regarding specific program content, please contact Ryan Milhollin at (573) 882-0668 or MilhollinR@missouri.edu. For more information or if you have a disability and require special services, please contact Jewel Coffman at (573) 882-9555.

This program is sponsored by the Commercial Agriculture Program at the University of Missouri, Missouri Independent Bankers Association and FCS Financial.