USDA Offering Targeted Farm Loan Funding

The USDA is offering specially targeted farm ownership and operating loans to underserved as well as beginning farmers and rancher.  Libby Anderson with FSA in Ephrata told the Washington Ag Network these loan are designed for anyone interested in an independent agriculture career.

“Kids that farm with their parents that want to branch out on their own, or it could be somebody brand new coming in that has an interest in it.  We offer several opportunities with different loan opportunities with different loan programs."

Anderson said applicants cannot be farming on their own for more than ten years in order to quality.  So, how can these funds be used by new farmers?

“We’re generally doing an operating loan for the crop, and we can help with the water and the rent and the power and the feed  and those kinds of things on these small scale kinds of operations.”

Anderson said these loans not only help the individual farmers, but also spur the local economy of small communities across the Northwest.  To learn more, or to apply, contact your local FSA office.

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