Farmer Mac and Conterra Asset Management have launched a joint venture offering agriculture appraisal services nationwide.
The mission of this new company, called Contour Valuation Services, is to improve appraisal access for agricultural lenders. Contour was created in response to feedback from Farmer Mac-approved lenders seeking efficient access to appraisal services with faster turnaround times.
"Surveys of our lenders have consistently identified appraisal services as a seriously lacking resource in many agricultural regions throughout the country and yet it is a vital necessity when helping customers obtain loans and lock in Farmer Mac's favorable rates," said Tom Stenson, chief operating officer of Farmer Mac.
Alan Schuiteman, who has worked in the agricultural appraisal industry for over 20 years, was named president of West Des Moines, Iowa-based Contour Valuation Services. He will be responsible for overseeing the company's management and operations teams.
