CowBank is a specialist dairy cattle finance provider offering livestock leasing solutions to help farmers grow their herds and businesses without tying up capital.

Farmers lease cows from CowBank for a fixed period, making regular payments. At the end of the lease, the cows can be purchased for a residual amount.

This method of finance is called an Operating Lease.

Exactly that - CowBank does not tie up your land, house or any other asset when you lease cows. The cows, themselves, are the security. You don’t even need to necessarily own land to lease cows through CowBank.

Say you want to buy 300 cows, but don’t want to add them to your herd all at once. CowBank can approve your loan for the 300 cows and you can choose when to add them into your herd. For example, 100 could be added straight away and then another 100 in spring - when there’s more feed - for example and the remainder, when it suits your business. 

At CowBank we are practical. We know you may not want all your cows calving at the same time, we also know that homegrown feed fluctuates - that’s why we offer finance for the real world.

The money can be approved as one total loan facility and it can be drawn as separate tranches.

CowBank trusts that each dairy farmer knows what type of cows work best in their business. Many dairy farmers choose to source their own cows either through existing contacts or their trusted stock agent. For others, CowBank has an extensive network of buyers and agents who work with farmers right across the country to secure the stock they need.

The amount of information we require varies depending on the size of the lease you are seeking. Typically, we’ll need the following:

• A completed application form

•  A current statement of assets and liabilities

• Your most recent financial statements

• A farm visit so that we can develop a good understanding of your business and what you are trying to achieve.

CowBank has extensive experience dealing with livestock finance across a range of businesses. This is our bread and butter. This experience means we can provide the right advice and guide farmers to ensure their applications are thorough and accurate. Practically, CowBank can speak to accountants on behalf of dairy farmers - with the farmers’ permission - to source the best information quickly. CowBank can also leverage its network of experienced livestock buyers and agents to assist with searching for the best cows to purchase for each farmer.

CowBank can move quickly compared to some traditional lenders. Some dairy farmers can receive approval within 1 week. This varies depending on each individual situation. Once approved, the money can be available in 1-2 days.

Unlike some private cow leasing arrangements, CowBank isn’t going to tell you how or what to breed your herd too - you are the expert in your business. CowBank has a preference that dairy farmers breed to ensure enough heifer replacements - like all good dairy farmers - but outside of that, you make your own decisions. At CowBank we take the approach of backing dairy farmers- ‘A good decision for you, is a good decision for your cows’. We aren’t looking to run your business, in any way, you are the expert in that department. We play a supporting role”  - Rod Banks

Yes, the lease can be paid-out at any time before the end of the lease without penalty.

While CowBank does not fund land purchases directly, leasing cows frees capital that can be used for land deposits and infrastructure.