Special to the Times Vedette
Peoples Bank announced that Jayme Ungs, vice president and ag lender at Peoples Bank in Boone, has been named the Beginning Farmer Loan Program Lender of the Year by the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) for the eighth time in his career. The award highlights the lender who assisted the greatest number of individuals through the program in 2025, helping new and aspiring farmers secure financing to start, grow and strengthen their agricultural operations. The honor was announced in celebration of National Ag Day, recognizing Ungs’ commitment to helping beginning farmers achieve success through IFA’s Beginning Farmer Loan Program.
IFA’s Beginning Farmer Loan Program provides reduced interest rate financing to help new farmers acquire farmland, buildings, machinery, equipment, and breeding livestock. The program is made possible through partnerships with participating lenders like Peoples Bank, using federal tax-exempt bonds issued by the Iowa Finance Authority.
Since its inception, IFA’s beginning farmer programs have helped more than 7,700 beginning farmers purchase nearly 500,000 acres across Iowa. In 2024 alone, IFA assisted 234 farmers in purchasing more than 32,000 acres through its Beginning Farmer programs.
“Jayme’s dedication to helping young farmers succeed truly embodies what Peoples Bank stands for,” said John Rigler III, president of Peoples Bank. “His passion for agriculture and his commitment to supporting the next generation of producers make a real difference in our communities. We’re incredibly proud of Jayme and grateful for the positive impact he continues to have on Iowa’s farming future.”