1st Farm Credit Services, AgStar Financial Services and Badgerland Financial came together as Compeer Financial on July 1, strengthening their commitment to the agricultural community.

By combining resources, knowledge and expertise, Compeer Financial will serve agriculture and rural America in 144 counties in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The newly formed organization will remain a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative offering loans, leases, risk management and other financial services while providing personalized service and expertise to clients.

“We are excited for this collaboration of three well-respected financial organizations because it will enhance our ability to better serve the diverse needs of our clients, the agriculture industry and rural communities we serve,” said Rod Hebrink, CEO of Compeer Financial. “The many talented team members of our new cooperative are committed to continuing our work as trusted financial services partners to advance agriculture and rural America.”

By becoming larger and more geographically diverse, Compeer Financial will have improved economies of scale to provide greater value for clients in many ways. The new organization features the best of three Farm Credit cooperatives and three states-worth of information for the benefit of farmers, their families and their communities, said Hebrink.