Farm Credit Services of America, based in Omaha, Nebraska, is dedicated to serving the agricultural credit, risk management and financial needs of farmers and ranchers in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming.  We are a part of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide agricultural network providing credit and affiliated services to farm and ranch operators across the United States. Overall, the Farm Credit System supplies the nation's agricultural industry with nearly one-third of its credit needs. For more information on the Farm Credit System and other Farm Credit Associations visit www.farmcredit.com.  When we were established: Farm Credit Services of America is part of the Farm Credit System, a $248-billion nationwide network of lending institutions, established in 1916.  How we operate: The Association operates on a cooperative basis. Farm Credit Services of America is owned by its more than 50,000 stockholders/customers and is governed by a 15-member board of directors. The customer-owners of the Association elect 12 directors — three directors are appointed by the board.    Where we get funds: Unlike commercial banks, Farm Credit institutions do not take deposits. Instead, money is raised by selling system-wide bonds on Wall Street. The proceeds are then channeled through Farm Credit banks and Associations to agricultural producers and cooperatives. Because of the market acceptance and attractiveness of Farm Credit securities and the volume of funds raised, Farm Credit Services of America is able to offer competitive interest rates and unlimited amounts of capital to the agricultural sector.