SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced today that he will host several roundtable meetings throughout the state to meet with farmers, bankers, and lenders to share details about the recent improvements to the Ag Invest Program. The roundtable events are free and open to the public.
“We encourage anyone who has a vested interest in agriculture to attend a roundtable event to find out more about financing their farm operations,” Treasurer Frerichs said. “The recent changes to the Ag Invest Program provide more financial support to help Illinois farmers succeed.”
The Ag Invest Program partners with approved financial institutions across the state to provide qualified farmers and agriculture professionals below market interest rate loans to start or enhance their farm operations.
In an effort to ensure the program was providing the best lending practices, the Treasurer’s Office made changes to the program. The changes went into effect on January 1, 2016.
To learn more about the changes and take part in the discussion, please attend one of the following roundtable events:
Monday, February 8, 2016 Peoria County Farm Bureau 1716 N. University, Peoria 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Monday, February 8, 2016 La Salle County Farm Bureau 4201 Columbus St, Ottawa 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, February 9, 2016 Carroll County Farm Bureau 811 Clay St., Mt. Carroll 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Thursday, February 11, 2016 Vermilion County Farm Bureau 1905 US- 150, Danville 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
*To RSVP, please contact the Treasurer’s Office at 217- 558-6217 or by email at
Since 2008, the Ag Invest Program has loaned more than $1 billion in annual and long-term loans, making Ag Invest one of the most expansive loan programs in the nation. For more information about the changes to the program, contact the Treasurer’s Office at 217 -558-6217 or and click on programs.
Treasurer Frerichs was born in the downstate farming community of Gifford, Illinois. He also served as Chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Conservation Committee.
About the Illinois Treasurer The Illinois Treasurer is the state’s chief investment officer and Frerichs is a Certified Public Finance Officer. He protects consumers by encouraging savings plans for college or trade school, increasing financial education among all ages, and removing barriers to a secure retirement. As the state’s Chief Investment Officer, he actively manages approximately $25 billion. The portfolio includes $13 billion in state funds, $7 billion in college savings plans and $5 billion on behalf of local and state governments. The investment approach is cautious to ensure the preservation of capital and returns $28 to the state for every $1 spent in operations. The Treasurer’s Office predates Illinois incorporation in 1818. Voters in 1848 chose to make it an elected office.