Hello Friends,
With a Direct or Guaranteed Farm Operating Loan through the USDA’s Farm Service Agency, a qualified farmer can purchase or lease items needed for a successful farm operation, such as livestock, farm equipment, feed, seed, chemicals, or other operating expenses.
These loans may also be used to pay for minor improvements to buildings, costs associated with land and water development, and family subsistence, as well as to refinance debt under certain conditions.
To qualify for an operating loan, an applicant must meet certain eligibility requirements which include:
- Have operated a farm for at least 1 year within the last 5 years;
- Be unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere at reasonable rates and terms to finance loan needs.
- Entities must meet these same eligibility requirements and must be authorized to operate a farm in the State of Ohio.
Additionally, the loan applicant must have a satisfactory credit history,
- Demonstrate repayment ability,
- And provide sufficient security for the loan.
The maximum loan size for a Guaranteed Operating Loan is $1,355,000. For a Direct Operating Loan, the maximum loan size is $300,000.
More information about FSA and the FSA Farm Loan Programs can be found at www.fsa.usda.gov. You may also contact your local FSA office, or the FSA Farm Loan Team at 419-68-4113 or 740-392-0801.
That’s all for now,
FSA Andy
