Financing Available for 4-H and FFA Youth

While spring is still days away, the FSA is reminding young people it’s not too early to think about the summer fairs across the Inland Northwest.  The Farm Service Agency Youth Loan Program is now open and available to kids 10-20 years of age, who have parental or guardian support.  Libby Anderson with the FSA’s Ephrata office told the Washington Ag Network these loans are great for the kids, and for the FSA.

“It’s the first step in agriculture and financing for youth.  In fact we’re having some of these kids that had youth loans are coming back for regular loans in agriculture, either buying regular loans or farming in some manner.  So, they’ve already been accustomed to the FSA.”

Anderson noted young people don’t need to live on a working farm to be eligible for the FSA loan.

“They don’t necessarily have to live in the country, they can live in town and house their animal at the FFA barn, or their leader’s home or grandpa’s house, or some other location, it’s a great tool to get some of that exposure to learning about 4-H and FFA.”

The maximum youth loan limit is $5,000 per kid, at an interest rate of 3.00%

Anderson adds the loan program is a great way to help young people learn responsibility, not only caring for an animal, but repaying the loan when fair season is over.

For more information, or to apply, contact Libby Anderson, Farm Loan Manager at (509) 754-2463 ext. 105, or e-mail libby.anderson@wa.usda.gov

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com