UK Ag Finance speaks about tailored refinancing to secure future of ag businesses
21st February 2025
Securing the right financial support is critical for agricultural businesses facing loan maturity and refinancing challenges, UK Ag Finance warns.
In a case led by UK Ag Finance, a well-established agricultural contracting business, operating for over 30 years required a refinance solution when their existing lender shifted away from agricultural finance.
The finance expert has stepped in to provide a bespoke refinancing facility, ensuring financial stability with minimal disruption. This case study highlights how tailored agricultural loans can help businesses navigate financial challenges and position themselves for future growth.
Navigating loan maturity with tailored agricultural refinance solution
The UK Ag Finance team said: “Our client, a well-established agricultural contracting business, faced a critical challenge when their existing five-year, interest-only loan of approximately £300,000 reached maturity. Their original lender had restructured its focus away from agricultural finance, leaving the client without an option to renew or refinance.
“With interest charges accruing at over £100 per day, the pressure was on to secure an alternative financing solution. The client needed a fast, cost-effective refinance option that would alleviate their immediate financial burden while ensuring minimal disruption to their operations.”
Recognising the urgency of the situation, UK Agricultural Finance stepped in to provide a bespoke refinancing solution.
“Our flexible approach allowed us to assess the client’s overall financial position, taking into account their diversified income streams and asset base. This tailored approach ensured the client could transition smoothly into a more sustainable financial arrangement, reducing daily costs and positioning the business for long-term security,” they added.
Diversified agricultural enterprise with strong foundations
UK Agricultural Finance explained that its client operates a well-established agricultural contracting business, spanning over 2,000 acres and providing a range of essential services to the farming community. Their core operations include arable crops and forage production, alongside liquid waste management.
Beyond contracting, the business has built a diversified revenue stream, incorporating a 200-head suckler cow operation and fodder production, supplying local farmers and equestrian businesses. A key strength of the business is its investment in a large fleet of modern machinery, which enables them to deliver efficient and high-quality services to their clients.
With farmland and assets collectively valued at over £4 million, the business was in a strong financial position. However, the maturing loan presented a significant short-term challenge that required a strategic refinancing solution.
Tailored agricultural loan for sustainable growth
A spokesperson for UK Agricultural Finance said that understanding the client’s need for a swift and effective refinancing solution structured a bespoke facility secured against agricultural land and buildings.
“Given the business’s strong asset base and diversified income streams, we were able to offer a flexible refinance arrangement that met their immediate financial needs while safeguarding their long-term stability.
“A key advantage of our approach was our ability to assess the client’s full financial position, rather than relying solely on traditional affordability metrics. By considering multiple income sources—including agricultural contracting, livestock, and fodder production—we ensured the loan structure aligned with the business’s cash flow cycle.
“The refinance facility not only eliminated the immediate financial pressure caused by daily accruing interest but also provided a sustainable repayment plan that allowed the client to focus on running and expanding their operations without unnecessary financial strain.”
Tailored agricultural loan for sustainable growth
A spokesperson for UK Agricultural Finance said that understanding the client’s need for a swift and effective refinancing solution structured a bespoke facility secured against agricultural land and buildings.
“Given the business’s strong asset base and diversified income streams, we were able to offer a flexible refinance arrangement that met their immediate financial needs while safeguarding their long-term stability.
“A key advantage of our approach was our ability to assess the client’s full financial position, rather than relying solely on traditional affordability metrics. By considering multiple income sources—including agricultural contracting, livestock, and fodder production—we ensured the loan structure aligned with the business’s cash flow cycle.
“The refinance facility not only eliminated the immediate financial pressure caused by daily accruing interest but also provided a sustainable repayment plan that allowed the client to focus on running and expanding their operations without unnecessary financial strain.”
Secure and sustainable financial future
The expert said that by securing a tailored refinancing solution with UK Agricultural Finance, the client was able to:
- Eliminate the daily interest burden – Immediate refinancing removed the pressure of over £100 per day in accruing interest.
- Ensure financial stability – A structured repayment plan allows the business to manage its cash flow effectively.
- Leverage strong security – The loan was secured against well-valued agricultural land and buildings, ensuring a low-risk lending position.
- Benefit from flexible underwriting – We took a holistic view of the client’s business, considering multiple revenue streams rather than relying on a rigid affordability assessment.
- Unlock future growth opportunities – The refinancing set the stage for potential expansion and additional investment.
“This bespoke financial solution allowed the business to continue operations without disruption, while also providing a solid foundation for future development,” a spokesperson for UK Agricultural Finance added.
Unlocking future growth opportunities
With their immediate financial challenges resolved, the client is now in a strong position to focus on future growth. Plans are already underway to develop the business further by constructing three residential properties on-site. This investment will not only provide accommodation for key staff but also enhance the overall sustainability and efficiency of their operations.
UK Agricultural Finance said that it remains committed to supporting the client through this next phase.
The company’s team said: “Our expertise in rural and agricultural lending means we can provide the additional funding required for the property development, ensuring the business continues to thrive.
“By taking a long-term, partnership-based approach, we help our clients build financial resilience and seize new opportunities that strengthen their enterprises.”
Flexible approach to agricultural finance
UK Agricultural Finance said that this case highlights the importance of tailored financial solutions for rural businesses facing refinancing challenges. Several key factors made this deal a success:
Strong security – The loan was secured against well-valued agricultural land and buildings, ensuring a low-risk lending position.
- Established business – With over 30 years of trading history and a diversified revenue stream, the client demonstrated long-term financial viability.
- Clear repayment strategy – The refinance allowed the client to exit an expensive facility while establishing a structured, sustainable repayment plan.
- Sector expertise – As a specialist lender, UK Agricultural Finance understood the client’s needs and provided a solution that traditional lenders could not.
“By eliminating financial pressure and offering flexibility, we helped the client regain stability and prepare for future growth. If your agricultural business is facing refinancing challenges or looking to secure funding for expansion, UK Agricultural Finance is here to help. Contact us today to discuss how we can support your financial goals,” the company concluded.
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