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Farming in Virginia is more than a business. It is a way of life tied closely to family traditions, community values, and the rhythms of the land. Yet running a farm today comes with challenges that go well beyond planting and harvesting.

What farmers need is not just access to loans but a partner who understands these cycles and works alongside them year after year. With deep roots in the Shenandoah Valley, F&M Bank has spent more than a century building relationships with local farmers and ag businesses. The bank has earned its reputation as a reliable guide, offering financial solutions that go far beyond lending. At its core, F&M serves as a trusted agriculture financial partner, helping farmers plan, grow, and sustain their operations through every season.

Understanding the Realities of Farming in Virginia

Agriculture is unique compared to most industries. A small business owner in town may see steady income each month, but a farmer often waits until harvest for the majority of revenue. Meanwhile, expenses like seed, fertilizer, equipment repairs, and labor pile up throughout the year. On top of this, weather, global markets, and rising costs can all shift without warning.

This means farmers often face financial strain during the months when income is not yet coming in. For many, the answer has been to rely on short-term credit or seasonal loans. While loans are important, they are not the whole picture. Farmers also need flexible structures, advice tailored to their industry, and a partner who recognizes that a strong harvest one year may be followed by unexpected setbacks the next.

This is where local bank ag lending stands apart. Because F&M is part of the same communities it serves, the bank understands the realities of farming life in Virginia and responds with support that reflects those realities.

Banking Solutions Built for the Farm

F&M offers a range of financial solutions designed with farmers in mind. These tools address both the predictable and the unpredictable, allowing farm operations to run smoothly no matter what the season brings.

• Operating Lines of Credit: Farmers often face heavy expenses long before they bring in revenue. A line of credit makes it possible to cover costs for feed, seed, fertilizer, or labor and repay once crops or livestock generate income.
• Equipment Financing: New tractors, irrigation systems, and dairy equipment can be vital to productivity but come with a high price tag. F&M provides financing terms structured around agricultural cycles, giving farmers breathing room while still allowing them to modernize their operations. Options may include coverage similar to 100% financing and repayment plans that match harvest timelines, so farmers are not burdened during lean months.
• Real Estate Lending: Whether buying more farmland, refinancing existing acreage, or constructing barns and storage facilities, F&M helps farmers make smart long-term investments.
• Risk and Cash Management Tools: Beyond lending, F&M helps farmers manage risk with equipment insurance options and business cash-management services that make farm finances easier to oversee on a daily basis.

What makes these services different is not only the product itself but how it is delivered. F&M tailors repayment schedules and loan structures to align with planting and harvest timelines, rather than forcing farmers into rigid monthly terms. By pairing farm business banking with a community-focused approach, F&M ensures that solutions actually fit the way farms operate in the Shenandoah Valley.

A Team of Advisors Who Know Farming Life

Behind every financial solution is a team of people who live and work in the same communities as their customers. F&M’s agricultural lenders are not distant voices on a phone line. They are neighbors who understand farming because they grew up around it and stay involved with local ag organizations.

Take Olivia Wightman, for example. As a member of F&M’s ag lending team, she brings both academic training in agribusiness and personal experience from her upbringing in Virginia. Farmers appreciate working with someone who not only knows the numbers but also understands the land and the lifestyle. That human connection turns transactions into relationships and ensures they feel heard and supported.

F&M’s team goes further by sharing practical guidance throughout the year, helping farmers think through financial strategies, plan for tax season, and prepare for the ups and downs of each cycle. The advice comes from lenders who know agriculture and understand how to connect numbers with real-life farm operations. Farmers do not just get a loan officer, they get an advisor who takes time to explain options, answer questions, and support long-term planning in a personal, one-on-one setting.

When farmers sit down with an F&M lender, they are not treated like account numbers. They are treated as business owners, community members, and partners. This relationship banking approach allows F&M to anticipate challenges, share insights, and help farmers build financial strategies that support their long-term goals.

Helping Farmers Manage Cash Flow Year-Round

Perhaps the biggest financial challenge for any farmer is managing cash flow. Expenses do not wait until harvest. Fertilizer, feed, equipment, and payroll must all be paid before revenue comes in. That is where a flexible banking partner makes all the difference.

F&M works closely with farmers to smooth out these cash flow gaps. Options include seasonal repayment structures, short-term financing, and integrated personal and business banking services that make it easier to manage money in one place. By aligning payment schedules with the realities of planting and harvest, F&M reduces the stress that comes with financing agriculture.

The bank can also help farmers explore USDA-backed structures or flexible lending programs that mirror what some larger lenders offer, ensuring access to tools that fit every type of farm. This flexibility shows how F&M adapts national-level resources to a local scale.

This approach highlights why many consider F&M one of the top community banks for farmers in Virginia. It is not just about approving a loan. It is about ensuring that a farmer has the resources to cover costs when needed most, without sacrificing stability later.

Investing in the Next Generation of Agriculture

As an independent community bank, F&M is committed to fostering sustainable growth and creating generational impacts. That commitment shows in the way the bank hires team members with agricultural backgrounds, keeps decision-making local, and builds lasting relationships with farm families. By reinvesting in the communities it serves, F&M strengthens the entire agricultural ecosystem and supports the long-term success of local farmers.

This focus on community reinvestment reflects F&M’s broader mission and vision, which emphasize trust, sustainability, and long-term partnerships. Farmers know that when they work with F&M, they are partnering with a bank that shares their values and is dedicated to helping agriculture remain strong for generations to come.

Why Local Matters When Choosing a Bank

There are many institutions offering agriculture loans Virginia farmers can consider. National and regional competitors provide services, but they may not always deliver the same level of personal attention or local insight. Decisions can be slowed further by bureaucracy or shaped by distant corporate policies.

By contrast, F&M’s advantage lies in local decision-making. Farmers talk directly to lenders who know the area, understand market conditions, and have a personal stake in the community’s prosperity. That local knowledge is combined with flexible products, educational support, and long-term partnerships, giving F&M the edge as both a lender and an advisor.

Choosing F&M means choosing more than a bank. It means choosing an agriculture financial partner who will be there year after year, regardless of how the market turns.

Rooted in the Valley, Growing Together

Farming in Virginia requires resilience, smart planning, and strong local relationships. That kind of partnership goes beyond lending. Through local bank ag lending, customized farm business banking, and community investment, F&M stands out as one of the most committed community banks for farmers.

For over a century, F&M has supported multi-generational families, helping them thrive through good seasons and challenging ones alike. That enduring support reflects their role as a true agriculture financial partner, not just a lender but a neighbor deeply invested in shared success.

When you work with F&M, you partner with a bank that understands the cycles of the land and the needs of your farm. Whether you’re planting, harvesting, or planning for the future, F&M is here to help.

Learn More about our line of Ag products, or contact one of our Agri-Business specialists at agribusiness@fmbankva.com.

We’re honored — and thrilled — to share that F&M Bank has been named both Best Bank and Best Mortgage Company in the 2025 Best of the Valley Awards, as voted by readers of the Daily News-Record.

This incredible honor is a celebration of the dedication, heart, and drive that each of our team members brings to work every day. It’s a testament to the trust our communities place in us — and to the way we live our values: Gregarious, Resolute, Original, and Wholehearted.

A Community-Driven Honor

The Best of the Valley Awards are especially meaningful because they’re community-powered. Every nomination and vote is cast by people who live, work, and grow alongside us in the Shenandoah Valley. Being recognized by the people we serve is the ultimate compliment — and a sign that our approach to banking, relationships, and service is resonating.

We’re not just here for transactions. We’re here for milestones, for memories, and for the journey. That’s why we believe we’re always Better Together.

GROWing with Purpose

At F&M Bank, our values aren’t just words on a wall — they guide how we show up for each other and our customers:

• We’re Gregarious, building strong connections and bringing energy to everything we do.

• We’re Resolute, focused on your goals with unwavering dedication.

• We’re Original, finding creative ways to solve challenges and better serve you.

• We’re Wholehearted, leading with authenticity and care in every interaction.

These values are more than a framework — they’re the foundation of our culture, and they shine through in the service you’ve recognized.

A Tradition of Trust

While 2025’s recognition is special, it adds to a growing legacy of community support. F&M Bank has proudly been recognized in past Best of the Valley contests, and each win reflects our ongoing commitment to relationship-based, locally-grown banking.

Looking Ahead

Being named Best Bank and Best Mortgage Company is not just a reward — it’s a responsibility. We’ll continue to evolve and improve, but our promise remains the same:
Your goals. Your community. Our commitment.

Thank you for believing in us, for voting for us, and for being part of the F&M Bank story. We’re proud to serve you — and proud to be part of a community that continues to thrive.

Nothing says summer like a good old-fashioned kids lemonade stand. It’s one of the best ways to teach money lessons for kids, while helping them build a small business of their own in a fun and safe way.

With summer on the horizon, now is the time to start thinking about how you can encourage your kids to set up shop on the street outside your home. If they need some persuading, we’re here to give you some reasons why a lemonade stand can transform their upcoming summer break.

It’s Fun!

After a long school year, the thought of even more learning probably isn’t top of mind for your kids—all they’re after is a few months of fun with their friends or siblings. Making memories that last long beyond childhood should be the number one reason you encourage your children to set up their own lemonade stand this summer.

Get creative when pitching them the idea and keep the more crucial financial and entrepreneurship lessons to a learn-on-the-job approach, rather than leading the conversation. Talk to your kids about the different types of lemonade they could make, fun marketing ideas to promote their new business, and even goals they can set for spending and saving their earnings.

It Gets Them Outside

Spending the day out of the house, away from screens and enjoying everything nature has to offer is one of the best ways to make the most of summer. Think about different places your kids could set up their lemonade stand, whether you’re looking for a quiet residential street where they could enjoy reading between customers, or a busier environment where they’ll be kept on their toes and making plenty of sales.

Not only is a lemonade stand a good excuse to put the screens away, but it also boosts your child’s health. Vitamin D is essential for healthy bone development, immune function, and overall health, and there’s no better way to get some much needed sun than a front yard lemonade stand.

They Can Build Entrepreneurial Skills

Entrepreneurship for kids can be difficult when they’re juggling school and extracurriculars, so a summer lemonade stand can be a great way to learn these important life skills. It’s one thing to make lemonade and hope someone turns up to buy it. It’s another to proactively market the business while also dealing with customers every single day.

Encourage your kids to find ways to promote their lemonade stand, like making signs or using supervised social media to attract new customers. Is there another neighborhood kid setting up shop? This is a great opportunity to teach your children about friendly competition from other businesses and ways that business owners can work together—maybe they sell snacks that your stand doesn’t, or you could do a product trade to help each other out.

It Teaches Them The Value of Money and Financial Literacy

One of the most important lessons you can teach your kids early on is the value of money. Financial literacy for children can be a challenge, even if they’re receiving an allowance each week. When they’re too young for a part time job, those money lessons for kids need to come from somewhere else. A lemonade stand is the perfect way to start teaching kids about money as soon as possible.

Budgeting is an early lesson you can start teaching your kids straight away, before the summer even arrives. They’ll want to figure out how much their supplies will cost them and what they should be setting their prices at if they want to make a profit. Saving some money to invest in the future of their business or for unexpected expenses is also a vital skill they’ll need to learn.

Once the business is up and running, they’ll need to understand the operating costs of their lemonade stand and start to work out how much profit they’re making based on their average sales.

Could they expand into more items for sale if they’re successful? Or do they need to scale back and find alternatives for expenses like cups or napkins if the profits are small? All of these are important conversations to have with your children as they start and run their small business.

They Become More Confident and Independent

Customer service skills are essential, no matter what your child’s future job is. Interacting with both adults and other children at their lemonade stand will quickly teach them how to communicate clearly and respectfully, while also making sure they have happy customers at the end of the day.

Talking to adults in particular may feel quite intimidating at first, especially for younger or more shy children. This is a good opportunity for them to practice those people skills in a safe environment, likely with other parents who understand that their first summer as a small business owner can be a challenge.

Being able to overcome some of these insecurities can help grow your child’s confidence over the summer, setting them up for a good school year ahead of them. They’ll learn important lessons about independence and responsibility while working their lemonade stand, which will make both them and you proud of everything they’ve achieved over the summer.

It Teaches Them To Be Flexible

As any business owner will tell you, unexpected issues will always come up. That’s especially true in the early days of a business, so it’s good for your children to learn how to adjust as needed. For instance, what do they do if they run out of lemons? Do they close up shop for the day or do they find someone to help them get more to make additional lemonade?

Decisions like this may seem small, but they’re a great way to help build your child’s critical thinking skills and reliance on their own decision making abilities. From there, they’ll gain more confidence as they see the tangible results of the actions they decide to take.

They Learn The Importance of Teamwork

Whether it’s you helping your children with their lemonade stand or they have several friends working with them, this entrepreneurial challenge can teach life lessons about teamwork and what that can achieve. Working together towards a shared outcome, while also accounting for how to split profits, is a vital skill that they can take into the next school year and beyond.

Help Your Kids Save Their Hard-Earned Money

Start your children’s good money management habits early and help them put their lemonade stand earnings in an account that grows with them. At F&M Bank, our Treehouse Savings Club is ideal for children who are looking to save their money and learn more about good financial management.

When your child opens an account through the savings club, they’ll get a piggy bank to take home with them, along with a passbook for recording transactions. They’ll also get a prize for every 5 deposits they make into their savings account.

It’s never too early to start saving with F&M Bank

Buying a home can trigger so many emotions. Excitement, nervousness, hopefulness, and fear all jump on the wagon at certain points throughout the journey. But as with most things in life, learning and getting the facts can help ease our fears, enabling us to make wiser decisions.

Our website is a valuable resource for articles on a variety of financial topics, including real estate and home ownership. In this blog, we tackle the topic of homeowner’s insurance.

What is homeowner’s insurance?

When you own a home, you usually need to purchase a policy to protect the property. Though not required by Virginia law, your mortgage will require it. And even if you don’t have a mortgage, it’s an important safeguard against financial loss.

A homeowner’s insurance policy is designed to protect homeowners from financial loss due to damage to their property or personal belongings. In addition, it covers liability for accidents that occur on their property.

Homeowner’s insurance covers risks like fire, theft, and some damage from storms and can help to cover costs for repairs. Each policy is tailored to the home itself, based on its location, size, materials, and risks. Coverages can vary based on the company and your specific policy. Let’s take a closer look at what homeowner’s insurance policies typically cover.

What does homeowner’s insurance cover?

If you’ve had renters’ insurance in the past, you’ll know that renters’ insurance coverage is limited to personal belongings and liability if someone is injured in the rental. Homeowners’ insurance is a bit different. It does cover your personal property and liability, but its most important job is to cover the home itself.

Most homeowner’s insurance policies contain the following coverages:

• Dwelling: This will cover the cost of damages to the structure of your home, including walls, roof, and foundation, when caused by events like fire, storms, or vandalism.
• Other structures: Covers other structures on your property that aren’t part of your home, such as detached garages, sheds, and fences.
• Personal property: Like renters’ insurance, home insurance can cover your belongings, from furniture to electronics, if they are damaged, stolen, or destroyed in a covered event. However, highly valuable collectibles and jewelry might need an endorsement (also called an “add-on” or “rider”) to cover them.
• Liability: This coverage protects you from lawsuits if someone else (not anyone who lives in the home) is injured on your property, or if you, a pet, or a family member cause damage to another property. A classic example of the latter is if your child were to hit a baseball through your neighbor’s window.
• Medical costs: Pays for medical expenses of guests injured on your property—up to a certain limit.
• Additional Living Expenses: If you are unable to stay in your home due to covered damages, ALE coverage can pay for temporary living costs, like hotel bills and meals.

What is not covered by homeowners insurance?

Homeowners’ insurance covers a wide range of potential expenses—even ones that may not seem to be directly related to your home (like some personal liability claims). But it doesn’t cover everything, and depending on where your home is located, it might be wise to purchase add-ons to insure your property is protected.

Homeowner’s insurance typically does not cover:

• Flood damage: Damage caused by floods usually requires separate flood insurance. If you live in a flood zone or an area prone to flooding, you’ll want to get an additional plan. You can look up your home’s flood risk on FEMA’s Flood Maps.
• Earthquake and sinkhole damage: Earthquakes and sinkholes are also not covered unless you purchase additional insurance. Minor earthquakes are common in Virginia, with almost 200 occurring within the last 50 years. Additionally, many parts of the Shenandoah Valley are more susceptible to sinkholes due to limestone substrate.
• “Wear and tear”: Whether from normal use and exposure or issues with maintenance, wear and tear is expected and not covered.
• Mold damage: Because mold often occurs because moisture isn’t managed properly, it is usually not covered.
• Sewer backup: While you can often add sewer backup coverage, water and other damage from sewer backups is usually not covered.
• Intentional destruction: If you or a family member living in your home damages the property intentionally, it won’t be covered.
• Valuables: As we mentioned above, very expensive items like jewelry, art, or collectibles may not be fully covered without additional riders.
• Home business: You’ll need separate coverage to protect your home business’s property, like equipment.

Every policy will lay out what it covers and what it doesn’t. If you have concerns about coverage for your home or property or aren’t sure how much insurance you need, your insurance agent can help you sort through your risks and requirements.

How do insurance companies determine premium costs?

When an insurance agency creates a coverage plan, they will review details including your home appraisal, property taxes, how and when the home was built (and with what materials), recent improvements, and other property details and risks.

This serves two purposes: determining risks for insuring your home (like older wiring or fireplaces) and knowing how much it will cost to repair or replace your home and the items within.

Some things that might increase your premiums include:

• Having an older home: It may be more expensive to insure an older home not just because they may be in worse repair but also because they tend to be better-constructed, with quality materials like brick and stone, which will cost more to replace.
• Location: Homes in areas prone to natural disasters are generally more to insure.
• Fireplaces and swimming pools: Anything that increases risk for damage or liability will increase your premium. Because wood-burning heating sources increase fire risks, your premium costs will go up if you have one. Swimming pools can create liability risks and may also result in higher premiums.
• Dog breeds: Some dog breeds, especially larger ones that are prone to biting and attacks, may impact your rate.
• Bad credit: Insurers often consider your credit score when setting premiums.

Things that you can do to lower your premium:

• Increase your deductible: Higher deductibles usually mean that smaller issues won’t be reported for a claim, saving your insurance company. They will pass this savings onto you through lower premiums.
• Bundle your insurance policies: See if you can get a lower rate when you use the same company for other insurance needs, like car insurance.
• Improve home security and safety features: Installing smoke detectors, security alarms, and even deadbolt locks may help lower your premium.

How do they know how much my home and property are worth?

Insurance companies can’t know for certain how much everything in your home will cost to repair or replace, but they do have some pretty sophisticated methods for estimating it.

Here are a few methods insurers use to determine how much things are worth.

• Appraisals: For valuable items like jewelry or art, an appraisal helps determine their worth for coverage or payout if they’re damaged or stolen. Your home’s appraisal may also be used to determine its replacement cost.
• Actual Cash Value (ACV): This is what your damaged or lost item is actually worth today, factoring in age and wear. For instance, a five-year-old laptop’s cash value will not be its purchase price but rather what it is worth based on its age and condition.
• Replacement Cost Value (RCV): RCV covers the cost to replace a damaged or lost item with a new one of similar quality without considering depreciation.
• Extended or Guaranteed Replacement Cost: This covers the full cost to rebuild your home, even if it exceeds your policy limits (usually up to a certain percentage).

When you look at your premium details, you might notice there are different designations for value and replacement cost—especially regarding your home. This is because homes often cost more to replace than their market value—especially older, well-built homes.

How does my deductible work?

A home insurance deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket first—before your insurance company covers anything. For instance, if you have a $2,000 deductible and a tree falls on your roof resulting in $5,000 in damage, your insurance would kick in after you pay the first $2,000. Usually, you’ll pay your deductible directly to whomever is making the repairs, and your insurance company will pay the balance.

Higher deductibles usually result in lower premiums. If you rarely file claims, your home is less risky, or you can cover small repairs out of pocket, a higher deductible could save you money.

I’m buying my first home. How do I get homeowners insurance?

There are many options for insurance, and ultimately there are pros and cons with each option. Your mortgage broker can often help identify best-fit options for you, as well as those with streamlined processes that will help make the entire home-buying process seamless and easier.

How do I pay for homeowners insurance?/How is home insurance factored into my mortgage payment?

For many, if not most, home buyers, expenses such as property taxes and homeowners insurance are bundled up as part of their mortgage payments. This is especially true for government-backed mortgages and for those where the buyer has put 20% or less down.

Bundling taxes and insurance with your mortgage payment can be beneficial as it streamlines the process, requiring fewer checks each month.

How can I get a discount?

Simply put, ask. Discounts are available for many different reasons, and finding out what you might be eligible for can be challenging on your own.  Discounts for seniors, veterans, and first-time home buyers are common; discounts for teachers and healthcare workers might be available too based on the company you go with. When in doubt, speak up and ask.

How do I file a claim?

Different insurance providers have different processes, but most offer online and telephone options that provide the ability to start the claims process in a matter of minutes.

Understanding the claims process can also be an important determining factor in your choice of providers. Feel free to ask questions about the process and get comfortable in advance because often claims are filed at a time where “one more hassle” really isn’t what you need.

Home Is Where Memories Are Made

For so many, owning a home is a big part of “the American Dream,” and where better to own one than right here in what we’ll argue is the most beautiful spot on earth, the Shenndoah Valley? Whether you’re just getting started on your home hunt or you’ve already identified the ideal property, right now is the ideal time for a conversation with F&M Bank and F&M Mortgages.

F&M Bank Welcomes Kevin Saylor as New Commercial Relationship Manager for Rockingham County

Timberville, VA (10/11/2024)   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – F&M Bank is proud to announce the addition of Kevin Saylor as our new Commercial Relationship Manager, serving Rockingham County and the surrounding areas. Kevin will be based out of the Crossroads Branch and will work with clients in Harrisonburg, Rockingham, and Shenandoah Counties.

Kevin brings a wealth of experience in sales and client relationship management, making him a strong fit for this role. His expertise, combined with his deep local connections, ensures he will provide the level of personalized service that F&M Bank is known for.

“The people I have met here before I even began my first day have been warm and welcoming,” Kevin shared. “Growing up in Grottoes, I have always wanted to positively contribute to the community. F&M has been a longstanding bank in our area, and I am thrilled to be a part of it.”

Kevin’s approach to commercial banking is centered around genuine partnerships. “My focus is on providing responsible guidance for our clients’ financial needs, remaining attentive to their questions and concerns, and building trust through authenticity and transparency. My goal is to cultivate strong, long-term relationships where clients feel confident in both my expertise and F&M Bank’s commitment to their success.”

“We are excited to welcome Kevin to our team and see how his insights will help us cultivate lasting relationships and achieve success together,” said Katherine Preston, Senior Vice President & Valley Market Executive. “His passion for our community and dedication to serving local businesses aligns perfectly with our mission to support and uplift the Shenandoah Valley.”

For more information or to connect with Kevin Saylor, please reach out to him at ksaylor@fmbankva.com or visit our Crossroads Branch.

About F&M Bank

F&M Bank Corp. is an independent, locally owned, financial holding company offering a full range of financial services through our subsidiary, Farmers & Merchants Bank’s (F&M Bank) fourteen banking offices in Rockingham, Shenandoah, and Augusta counties, Virginia, and the cities of Winchester and Waynesboro, Virginia. The Company also owns F&M Mortgage, a mortgage lending subsidiary, and VSTitle, a title company subsidiary. Founded in 1908 as a community venture to serve the farmers and merchants of the Shenandoah Valley, where both the Company and the Bank are headquartered, F&M Bank remains more committed than ever to the success of the agricultural industry, small business ventures, and the nonprofit sector. F&M’s values, which are gregarious, resolute, original, and wholehearted (G.R.O.W.), combined with our brand pillars of sustenance, security, and enrichment, shape the Company’s decision-making, philanthropy, and volunteerism. The only publicly traded organization based in Rockingham County, we offer a diverse suite of financial products and services and a strong team dedicated to living our mission of being the financial partner of choice in the Shenandoah Valley, both today and tomorrow, as we have been since 1908. Additional information may be found by visiting our website, fmbankva.com.

Media Contact:

Jacob Mowry

Vice President, Marketing Manager

F&M Bank

jmowry@fmbankva.com