Episode 270: Agricultural Lending and the Economics of Rural Texas with Phil Peabody

In this episode of Hunting Matters, host Joe Betar sits down with Phil Peabody, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of Capital Farm Credit. Drawing from over 15 years in agricultural lending and corporate risk management, Phil explores how Texas growth, land values, and conservation economics shape the future of rural real estate and farm management.   Key Topics Covered: Navigating Rural Real Estate & Lending: How financing farms, ranches, and recreational properties differs from traditional residential loans, along with key strategies for managing input costs, interest rates, and commodity fluctuations. The Cooperative Advantage: Understanding Capital Farm Credit’s cooperative structure and how returning earnings to customer-owners strengthens local rural communities. The Economics of Wildlife & Hunting: Balancing livestock operations with habitat management, and using hunting lease revenue to enhance land stewardship, offset operational costs, and fund conservation practices. Generational Succession & Future Outlook: Practical advice for farm and ranch families planning succession, overcoming high entry barriers for young agricultural operators, and maintaining Texas rural heritage for the next generation. Supporting Conservation & Youth: Why Capital Farm Credit partners with organizations like the Houston Safari Club Foundation to fund youth scholarships and protect hunting traditions. Connect with Capital Farm Credit: https://www.capitalfarmcredit.com/ Subscribe & Review: Be sure to subscribe to Hunting Matters on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a rating and review! Learn More: Visit https://hscfdn.org/ to support conservation, education, and our hunting heritage.