(BPT) – Farmers: there’s no doubt that you are the backbone of our nation. Hardworking, industrious and passionate, you’re the small business owners that put food on America’s tables. But that doesn’t mean you’ve got it easy — far from it. So, let’s talk about an often-neglected tool that can give you a major leg up — credit card rewards. That’s right, choosing the right rewards program can help you save money and improve your bottom line, like a bumper crop all year round.
So, how exactly can cashback rewards help you? Here’s how:
Lowering Operational Costs
For starters, you can use the cashback you earn from your credit card purchases to offset future expenses. That means you can save money on everyday things like fuel and equipment repairs and even on those big-ticket items like farm equipment upgrades.
Farmers can also use cashback rewards to purchase farm supplies such as fertilizers, seeds and other agricultural products. These expenses can quickly add up, but by using cashback programs, farmers can better adapt to year-over-year price changes of bulk-purchased goods. And if you’re frequently traveling for business (like to farmers’ markets), you can utilize cashback rewards to pay for your travel expenses, and some cards even offer fuel bonuses and vehicle insurance protection.
Making Upgrades
Speaking of upgrades, we all know that the latest and greatest equipment can make a huge difference in crop yield and client acquisition. But we also know that they can cost an arm and a leg. That’s where cashback rewards come in — they can help offset those costs and even allow you to purchase equipment entirely with reward points. Some cards even allow entire equipment purchases to be made with reward points, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Farmers can even use cashback rewards to invest in sustainability initiatives, such as renewable energy sources, water conservation or soil conservation projects. These initiatives can help reduce the environmental impact of farming while also providing long-term cost savings. And if you live in a state where environmental regulatory pressure is increasing, cashback could very well play a part in affording compliance.
Rewarding Employees
But cashback isn’t just for equipment and sustainability — you can even use your rewards to reward your hardworking farmhands! Imagine using your points to purchase gift cards or bonuses for your staff, boosting morale and showing them how much you appreciate their efforts. Well-earned credit card rewards can allow you to make a difference in the lives of your employees.
Building a Rainy-Day Fund
And let’s not forget about the importance of having a rainy-day fund in the agriculture business. With so much uncertainty, extra financial security can make all the difference. Cashback rewards can help you build up that rainy-day fund and prepare for anything that comes your way.
Ultimately, credit card rewards are a farmer’s fierce ally. They can help you save on operational costs, upgrade your equipment, invest in sustainability, reward your employees, and build a rainy-day fund. So, what are you waiting for? Start raking in those cashback rewards and watch your bottom line improve!