Did you know that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) makes operating loans of up to $5,000 to youths age 10 through 20? These loans can finance income-producing, agriculture-related projects, which are educational, initiated, developed, and carried out by the young person.
What can be done with a Youth Loan? They could:
- buy livestock, seed, equipment and supplies
- buy, rent or repair needed tools and equipment
- pay operating expenses for their project
The youth must be participating in an established organization that supports
agricultural projects, such as 4-H, FFA, or a similar organization. The project must be planned and operated with the assistance of an advisor, produce enough income to repay the loan, and provide the youth with practical business and educational experience in agriculture. The 2014 farm bill eliminated the need to reside in a city or town with a population of 50,000 or fewer people.
Do you know or are you a young person in a FFA or 4-H club that may be interested in starting a project? Check out this fact sheet to learn more:
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/loanyouth.pdf
If you have any questions or need more information, you can contact Ashley at ashley.pierce@ny.usda.gov, (518) 295-8600, or your local FSA office.
