Agricultural Lending

In 1989, Rutledge Investment Company (RIC) was formed as a regional mortgage banking firm.

This was a natural extension of their thriving agricultural appraisal and consulting business. During this time, Mid South agriculture was beginning to slowly recover from the economic downturn of the 1980’s and RIC was able to provide much needed mortgage capital to the region.

There were very few lenders willing to place money in agriculture in the late 1980’s. RIC was fortunate to form an alliance with a premier player in Mid South agriculture finance. RIC teamed up with Prudential Agricultural Investments and became one of the first loan originators in their new “AgMap” program. This program was created to provide a constant and reliable source of funds for farm mortgages throughout the region and the country.

The program was an instant success, and RIC has been among the largest originators in the program ever since.

In 1998, RIC celebrated $100 million in loan originations in 1998, exceeded $200 million in 2003, and surpassed $300 million in 2006. Today, Rutledge Investment Company has originated well over $1 billion in agricultural loans, underscoring its reputation as a trusted partner and a leading force in agricultural finance.

In 2000, Rutledge Investment Company further strengthened its market position through a strategic merger with Rainer Farm Mortgage, a highly successful farm mortgage firm and established Prudential loan originator. This merger significantly expanded RIC’s loan servicing portfolio, broadened its geographic reach, and opened the door to new clients and lending opportunities across the region.

Building on this momentum, RIC has acquired several smaller brokerage firms over the years, reinforcing its presence in key agricultural markets. In 2016, the company expanded again with the acquisition of a substantial loan portfolio in the Missouri Bootheel, fueling new growth and extending RIC’s footprint throughout southeast Missouri.

Strong, long-standing relationships with premier capital providers remain central to RIC’s success. Prudential Agricultural Investments continues to serve as an important funding source for our clients, while a partnership with MetLife Agri-Finance—established in the mid-2000s—has grown to become our largest lending relationship. Additional funding partners include Agri-Access of Des Moines, Iowa, along with multiple Farm Credit organizations throughout the Midwest and Mid-South.

Beyond traditional farm mortgages, Rutledge Investment Company offers financing solutions for hunting and recreational properties, timberland, and agribusiness facilities, delivering flexible capital solutions tailored to the diverse needs of today’s agricultural landowners and operators.