For multi-generational rural farming families, a forever home is a sanctuary designed to protect a lifestyle of independence and agricultural tradition.
Jay and Colleen recently completed construction on a secluded home situated back and away from the main road. For Jay, the distance was a non-negotiable; part of his vision for his family’s safety and autonomy.
“I think living rural is the best way to live just because I like the freedom of not having neighbors right beside me and knowing my kids can safely roam.”
“We wanted this very rural location off the road. We wanted privacy,” Jay said. “I think living rural is the best way to live just because I like the freedom of not having neighbors right beside me and knowing my kids can safely roam.”
Constructed on Trust
The couple turned to Rural 1st® for their construction financing, citing a long-standing history with Farm Credit Mid-America. Jay said that the collaborative relationship between the lender and their builder kept the project on track.
“I have a lot of trust in Farm Credit Mid-America and Rural 1st,” Jay shared. “They did a really good job helping with the new construction of my home. Working with them is always really easy going.”
He added, “If I ever have any questions, I can call the office, and I get an answer immediately from them about what I need to know.”
Colleen has found her own kind of peace at their forever home. “I love sitting on the porch and hearing nature instead of road traffic,” she shared. “Being able to let the kids play outside with some freedom and getting to watch our crops grow right around us is something really special.”
Seven Generations of Roots
Colleen, Jay and their family have farmed the same ground for over a century, including a designated century farm. For Jay’s brother, Wade, the work is fueled by the desire to pass that heritage to the eighth generation.
“Farming means carrying on my family’s legacy,” Wade said. “I’d like to be able to keep the farm together as a whole and pass it on to my kids. That’s worth getting out of bed and working for.”
“I love sitting on the porch and hearing nature instead of road traffic. Being able to let the kids play outside with some freedom and getting to watch our crops grow right around us is something really special.”
Jay echoed this sentiment, viewing his new home and the surrounding fields as a classroom for his children. “It’s important to us to keep the tradition going and to show our kids what hard work and the reward for hard work looks like.”
The perfect rural setting also gives way to some of Colleen’s favorite parts of living and working on their own land. She shared, “One of my favorite things is seeing Jay farm the field around our house, the boys can run out and help him.” With the help of agricultural and construction loans from Farm Credit Mid-America and Rural 1st, Colleen and Jay are living the life they always dreamed of.
A Forever Home
By securing their family’s physical footprint on their land, Jay and Colleen are ensuring the next generation has a place to return to. As Jay said, “Rural 1st helped us get Closer to What Matters® because they helped us build our forever home. Keeping our families safe and protected is what matters.”
Want to finance your own forever home? Connect with a Rural 1st loan officer in your area today to learn more.
