On April 27-29, 2026, the Distressed Borrowers Assistance Network (DBAN) hosted an in-person network gathering to bring together direct service providers supporting farmers, ranchers, and foresters across the country. Over the course of three days, we offered interactive trainings to hone both technical and interpersonal skills for working with producers in financial distress. We also provided attendees with the opportunity to connect with each other while exploring the history and culture of Birmingham, Alabama.
Training Recordings
Welcome
Attendees were welcomed into the space by Mary Oxendine of Farm Aid, Jennifer Fahy of Farm Aid, Margaret Krome-Lukens of RAFI, and Scott Carlson of FLAG (Farmers’ Legal Action Group).
Farmer Scenarios and Self-Reflection
Rachel Van Boven of Farm Aid briefly introduced two farmer scenarios that were used over the three training days to help the group put their learning into practice. These were not real people, but they were realistic based on calls received by both Farm Aid’s and RAFI’s hotlines. Rachel also provided folks in the room an opportunity for self-reflection.
Farmer-Centered Approach to Financial Technical Assistance
In this session, LaShauna Austria and Min Jae Kim of Seeds of Change provided a brief overview of the importance of connecting with farmers on a human level, using a multitude of interpersonal skills.
Materials:
Common USDA Forms
In this session, Fello Perez and Amanda Meyers of RAFI reviewed common USDA forms that farmers typically must file before seeking loans or other assistance from USDA.
Materials
- A Guide to Common USDA Forms Materials (PDF)
- A Guide to Common USDA Forms Handout (PDF)
- Find the forms referenced in this session here
FSA Direct Loan Application Process
FSA offers direct loans to farmers unable to obtain credit elsewhere. In this two-part program, Terrick Boley of Boley AgriCapital helped attendees navigate a producer through the direct loan application, including development of farm financial documents needed for the loan process. Terrick also discussed commonalities between FSA loan applications and those at agricultural banks.
Materials
- Understanding the FSA Direct Farm Loan Process (PDF)
- DSP Playbook Provided by Boley Agricapital (PDF)
- DSP Handout (PDF)
- DSP Checklist Tool (PDF)
Financial Analysis
In this four-part program, Elaine Lemmon of Hayseed Collective covered the fundamental steps in evaluating a farm’s financials to assess options for managing debt and cash flow. The topics included: constructing a balance sheet, profit and loss, cash flow, assessing potential debt management tools, and mediation or negotiation with creditors.
Materials:
- DBAN Fundamentals of Financial Analysis (PDF)
- Find the workbooks and spreadsheets referenced in these sessions here
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) & Handbook Tour
In this session, Ben Apple and Stephen Carpenter of FLAG and Benny Bunting and Margaret Krome-Lukens of RAFI provided an overview of key parts of the Code of Federal Regulations and FSA and NRCS guidance documents, including how to find and navigate them. Then attendees were asked to find the applicable rules for various issues that arise in USDA services to farmers.
Materials:
Ask Me Anything
Experts responded to farm financial, legal, and USDA questions attendees submitted during the Network Gathering.
Panelists:
- Terrick Boley, Boley AgriCapital
- Benny Bunting, RAFI
- Ben Apple, FLAG
- Stephen Carpenter, FLAG
Moderators:
- Zacha Muniz, RAFI
- Mary Oxendine, Farm Aid
