Iowa Finance Authority Names Top Beginning Farmer Lending Institution and Loan Officer of 2024

April 9, 2025 (DES MOINES) – The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) recently announced that Hills Bank & Trust Company in Kalona has been named the Top Beginning Farmer Lending Institution of 2024 and Daniel Kuboushek, lender at Citizens Savings Bank in Spillville, has been named Beginning Farmer Loan Officer of the Year. The awards recognize the lending institution and loan officer who assisted the most individuals through the Beginning Farmer Loan Program in 2024.

Investing in the next generation of Iowa farmers ensures both a robust and thriving economy as well as a sustainable agricultural legacy for our state,

said IFA Director Debi Durham. “Last year alone, we assisted 65 farmers with the purchase of more than 4,400 acres to begin or grow their operations, an accomplishment that would not be possible without outstanding partners like Dan and the team at Hills Bank & Trust Company.”   

The Beginning Farmer Loan Program assists new farmers in acquiring farmland, buildings, machinery, equipment and breeding livestock at reduced interest rates. Beginning Farmer Loans are financed by participating lenders or contract sellers with federal tax-exempt bonds issued by the Iowa Finance Authority. The interest received on contract sales or direct loans by individuals is also exempt from state income taxes.  

“The Iowa Finance Authority’s beginning farmer programs play a crucial role in helping farmers get started in their operation and ensuring the continuation of family farms which in turn supports the rural communities," said Dan Kuboushek of Citizens Savings Bank. "By providing resources and incentives like the Beginning Farmer Loan Program, local community banks can work with IFA to help the next generation of farmers succeed."

The program has assisted more than 5,000 beginning farmers purchase a total of more than 463,000 acres since its inception in 1981.