E66: Farm Lending with Robb Nelson

In this episode of the Unlimited Podcast, Brian speaks with Robb Nelson, CEO of Farm Lending Canada, to explore how private lending supports Canada’s agricultural sector and why it can be an attractive investment opportunity.Brian and Robb discuss how farm lending helps fill gaps left by banks, why farmers are particularly great borrowers, where this fits in an investor's portfolio, and more.Farm Lending Canada is a Canadian agricultural lender that provides financing solutions to farmers who may not fit traditional bank requirements. They focus on short term “transition” loans that help farmers stabilize their finances and eventually return to conventional lenders. Beyond lending, they also support farmers with advice around growth, structure, and succession planning, acting as both a capital provider and a partner in navigating financial challenges.Robb Nelson is the CEO of Farm Lending Canada and a founding principal of Agri Roots Capital Management. He has over 35 years of experience in finance, including more than 25 years focused on private lending in agriculture, residential development, and housing.An entrepreneur at heart, Robb has built and exited several successful businesses and has spent much of his career structuring private debt solutions. He co-founded Farm Lending Canada in 2001 and has helped grow it into a national platform.Timestamps:0:00 Intro & Disclaimer6:46 What made farm lending attractive to Robb?8:41 A farmer's life11:33 Why is farming a great sector to be lending in?14:23 Why don't farmers just go to the banks?21:50 Why farmers are the best borrowers23:50 Evaluating potential borrowers32:02 Demand for different loan sizes35:42 Farm Credit Canada39:28 Dealing with stress on loans43:07 Why should investors consider Farm Lending?45:39 If Robb could do anything, what would it be?47:24 Outro