When it comes to financing rural properties, experience matters — and Mark Rutledge with Capital Farm Credit brings more than 30 years of expertise to the table. From ranches and wineries to barndominiums and beekeeping operations, Mark helps clients secure the long-term financing they need to make their Hill Country dreams a reality.
Financing Built for Rural Life
Capital Farm Credit specializes in long-term, no balloon, no prepayment penalty financing for rural properties of all types, including:
Ranches & hunting properties
Recreational properties
Barndominiums
Wineries
Vegetable farms
Beekeeping operations
Nurseries
Aquaponic farms
Mark’s career in agricultural lending began after earning his Master’s Degree from Texas A&M. He started with the Farm Credit Administration in Las Colinas, then transitioned to a loan officer role with the Federal Land Bank in San Marcos in 1992. “Helping folks purchase or refinance rural properties has been an enjoyable career,” he says.
A True Cooperative Advantage
What sets Capital Farm Credit apart is its cooperative structure. “Our customers become owners of the Association,” Mark explains. “As owners, they receive a check for their portion of our net income each year. This cash back is called Patronage, and it usually amounts to about a month’s payment back in cash on their loan.”
That Patronage program, combined with competitive rates and flexible terms, is one of the strongest reasons clients choose Capital Farm Credit.
Relationships First
In a lending world often dominated by automated systems, Mark prioritizes human connection. “Our goal is for customers to interact with a human during the lending process,” he says. “Our systems are designed to keep customers informed of their application status along the way.”
That hands-on approach extends to understanding unique agricultural operations. While the team regularly finances niche ag businesses like vegetable farms, wineries, and nurseries, Mark recently helped fund a mushroom farm and regenerative agriculture projects — investments he says are “rewarding because they support local communities growing their own wholesome food.”
A Local Who Loves the Land
For Mark, working in Dripping Springs and the surrounding Hill Country means more than business. “Great faith, great folks, great natural beauty, and great BBQ!” he says with a smile.
Outside of work, he enjoys life on his small cattle operation, keeping his vintage Ford Model A truck running, and flying airplanes.
Ties to DS Elite
Mark’s connection to Dripping Springs Elite runs deep. “I started working with Michael Waite early in my career and have stayed with his legacy,” he shares. Being part of the group allows him to collaborate with other respected professionals while staying connected to the community.
Mark’s Best Advice
“We encourage customers to find the best financing available,” he says. “If the property qualifies for Capital Farm Credit financing, our products are hard to beat.”
Ready to finance your rural property dream? Contact Mark Rutledge at Capital Farm Credit to learn more about their unique lending options and cooperative benefits. Your Hill Country lifestyle could be closer than you think.
