About DBAN

The Distressed Borrower’s Assistance Network (DBAN) provides targeted technical assistance to financially struggling farmers and ranchers seeking loan servicing and program support.

DBAN’s mission is carried out by equipping local providers to directly engage producers, helping them navigate financial challenges and strengthen their resilience. By delivering customized assistance, DBAN works to improve the financial health and long-term sustainability of the agricultural community.

DBAN’s core objectives include providing tailored support to distressed borrowers, farmers, ranchers, and foresters through:

Financial analysis tools and guidance
Access to legal resources
Assistance in navigating and applying for USDA programs

Resources supported through DBAN include information and training for:

Farmers, ranchers, and foresters
DBAN Cooperators offering one-on-one technical assistance to producers

DBAN Partners

The DBAN Program is led by the Southern Risk Management Education Center (SRMEC) at the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, under the leadership of Dr. Ron Rainey. This collaborative strategically builds on partnerships among Extension Risk Management Education (ERME) centers, 1862 and 1890 land-grant institutions, and community-based organizations. Together, they provide training materials, resources and technical assistance to organizations with a proven ability to offer individualized agribusiness mentorship and advisory services to farmers and ranchers.

Partners:

1890 Universities Foundation is a 501©3 charitable organization focusing on strengthening the impact of the 1890 land-grant universities.

Alcorn State University – Policy Center - The Policy Center at Alcorn, a national center located in the Biotechnology building on the Lorman campus of Alcorn State University, specializes in policy research impacting farmers and ranchers located across the United States.

Farm Aid - Farm Aid’s mission is to build a vibrant, family farm-centered system of agriculture in America. We work each and every day, year-round to build a system of agriculture that values family farmers, good food, soil and water, and strong communities.

Farmers’ Legal Action Group - Farmers’ Legal Action Group (FLAG) is a nonprofit law center dedicated to providing legal services and support to family farmers and their communities in order to help keep family farmers on the land.

Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) - Working across agricultural sectors and collaboratively through coalitions, we combine on–the-ground practical services and policy advocacy to ensure farmers have access to the tools they need to make the right choices for their farms and families as well as for their communities and the environment.