Applying for Beginning Farmer Loans

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) assists beginning farmers to finance agricultural enterprises. Under these designated farm loan programs, FSA can provide financing to eligible applicants through either direct or guaranteed loans. FSA defines a beginning farmer as a person who:

Has operated a farm for not more than 10 years

• Will materially and substantially participate in the operation of the farm

• Agrees to participate in a loan assessment, borrower training and financial management program sponsored by FSA

• Does not own a farm in excess of 30 percent of the county’s average size farm.

For more information contact, contact your Will/Cook County USDA Service Center at [815-485-0068] or the Kankakee County USDA Service Center at [815-937-8940] or visit fsa.usda.gov.