Pictured from left are Joe Horner, agricultural economist, University of Missouri; Seth Thompson and Jeremy Bender, Interra agribusiness lenders; and Dr. Freddie Barnard, professor, Purdue University. (Photo provided)

GOSHEN — Two agribusiness lenders from Interra Credit Union, Goshen, Jeremy Bender and Seth Thompson, recently graduated from the University of Missouri Agricultural Lending School.

The weeklong program provided in-depth training in agricultural finance and focused on providing the knowledge and tools to make good loan decisions in today’s marketplace. A wide range of topics focused on practical agricultural lending applications.

“We were presented with solid analytical tools that we can use on a regular basis,” Bender said. “These will assist us in making recommendations to our members and help us make the best possible lending decisions.”

Dr. Freddie Barnard from Purdue University was the primary presenter at the school. He is a pioneer in the development of the Farm Financial Standards and is a leading agricultural finance professor in the United States.

“I appreciated the training and knowledge I received at the school that will help me serve our members,” noted Thompson, the newest member of Interra’s agribusiness team.

In addition to the main office and two branches in Goshen, other offices are located throughout North Central Indiana in Bremen, Elkhart, Etna Green, Ligonier, Middlebury, Millersburg, Nappanee, New Paris, Osceola, Shipshewana, Syracuse, Topeka and Wakarusa.