First Financial Bank has been recognized for the second year in a row as the Independent Community Bankers Association (ICBA) Top Lender of 2024 in Agriculture: More than $1 billion in assets category. This prestigious recognition is given annually to honor banks that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to serving their agricultural customers.

First Financial Bank has a long history of supporting the agricultural community. The bank offers farmers and ranchers a wide range of products and services, including financing for new farms, real estate purchases, equipment and building leasing options, expanding existing operations, equipment, supplies, and more. First Financial Bank is a Farmer Mac approved lender, FSA Preferred Lender in all 50 states, and approved to offer SBA 7(a) loan products under SBA’s Preferred Lender Program. The bank also has a team of experienced agribusiness lenders who provide personalized service to its agricultural customers because they are farmers and ranchers themselves.

“We are humbled to be recognized by ICBA as the Top Ag Lender in the nation for 2024 in the $1 billion assets category. This distinction would not be possible without our customers, who’ve trusted us as their lending partner, and our team members, who’ve provided the dedication, expertise, and execution to earn this recognition,” said Ben Chandler, Managing Director of the Poultry Lending Division at First Financial Bank.

In addition to its Poultry Division, First Financial Bank offers a Farm and Ranch Division that provides customized financing solutions to farmers and ranchers nationwide.

“We are honored to be once again recognized by our peers as the Top Ag Lender in the nation. Our lenders travel nationwide to meet with our customers at their homes, combines, barns, or wherever is most convenient for our customers. Our success belongs to our customers for their faith in us, their continued referrals, and our FFB team for their dedication,” said Kathy Daily, Managing Director of the Farm and Ranch Division at First Financial Bank.

The ICBA Top Lender program recognizes banks that have demonstrated a strong commitment to their communities and to the industries they serve. Banks are evaluated on various factors, including their loan volume, involvement in agricultural organizations, and commitment to providing financial literacy education to their agricultural customers.