The Iowa Finance Authority announced the 2015 Iowa Agricultural Development Division top lenders through the Beginning Farmer Loan program. The awards recognize the top loan officers and banks with the most loans and the largest total loan amount through the program. Hills Bank and Trust of Kalona and their loan officer Dave Hochstetler were both honored for their work. Hochstetler approved loans through the Beginning Farmer Loan program in excess of $1 million, while Hills Bank and Trust as a whole loaned $1.3 million. The program provides low-interest loans to assist new farmers in acquiring agricultural property.