Missouri State Treasurer Vivek Malek recently recognized FCS Financial as a top agricultural lender for the state’s MOBUCK$ linked deposit program at an event that began at the FCS Financial Higginsville office and concluded at the farm of FCS Financial member-owners Tim and Amalee Barnes. The ceremony highlighted FCS Financial’s significant commitment to Missouri’s agricultural community, having assisted 386 farms with over $172 million in total commitments through the program.
The MOBUCK$ program is a public-private partnership designed to provide lower-interest loans to farmers, small business owners, and agricultural businesses, stimulating growth and stability in the state’s economy.
“The MOBUCK$ program puts Missouri’s money to work for Missourians, but it only succeeds because of partners like FCS Financial who bring it to life,” said Missouri State Treasurer Vivek Malek. “They connect farmers like Tim Barnes with the low-interest financing they need to compete and continue their family's legacy. FCS Financial has gone above and beyond, and our state is stronger for their commitment to our agricultural community.”
FCS Financial, a member-owned cooperative, has a long history of supporting Missouri agriculture. The recognition from the State Treasurer’s office underscores their role in connecting farmers with vital financial resources.
“We are honored to be recognized for our commitment to Missouri farmers and the MOBUCK$ program,” said Rob Guinn, CEO of FCS Financial. “Our cooperative structure is founded on the principle of supporting our member-owners and the agricultural community. The MOBUCK$ program is a powerful tool that allows us to further that mission, especially for young, beginning, and small farmers. Seeing our members thrive is the ultimate measure of our success, and we are proud to partner with the state to make that happen.”
The impact of this program is felt directly by farmers across the state. To see this firsthand, Treasurer Malek visited the farm of Tim and Amalee Barnes, FCS Financial member-owners who have utilized the program. Though his parents did not farm, Tim’s interest was sparked during summers spent with his grandparents and his uncle, Greg Bertz. Greg and his wife, Kim, took Tim under their wings, helping him get his start. Today, Tim lives in his grandparents' home, carrying on the family's agricultural heritage. The lower interest rates provided through MOBUCKS can make a significant difference in a farm's ability to expand, purchase new equipment, or navigate challenging market conditions.
“As a seventh-generation farmer, continuing our family's legacy is everything,” said Tim Barnes. “Thanks to the state's MOBUCK$ program and FCS Financial, we were able to secure the financing we needed with interest savings. It’s programs like this that help ensure our family farm will be here for generations to come.”
The sentiment was echoed by the FCS Financial leadership team.
“In today’s agricultural landscape, programs like MOBUCK$ are more important than ever,” stated Brian Zimmerschied, Senior Vice President of Commercial Crop & Livestock Lending at FCS Financial. “This program provides a stable source of funding that helps our members manage risk and seize opportunities. We are proud to be a leading lender for this essential program and will continue to advocate for resources that support Missouri’s farmers.”
About the MOBUCK$ Program: The Missouri Linked Deposit Program, known as MOBUCK$, is administered by the Missouri State Treasurer’s Office. It provides low-interest loans to help create and retain jobs, expand the economy, and strengthen communities across the state.
