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FSA offers loans for farmers and ranchers to purchase farmland and finance agricultural operations. FSA loan programs are designed to help producers who are temporarily unable to obtain private or commercial credit. In many cases, applicants are beginning farmers who have insufficient net worth to qualify for financing through a commercial lender. In other instances, borrowers might have suffered setbacks from natural disasters or might be persons with limited resources.
Farm ownership loans or farm operating loans may be obtained as direct loans for a maximum of up to $300,000. Guaranteed loans can reach a maximum indebtedness of $1,302,000. Farm Operating Loans can be used to pay for annual operating expenses, equipment and livestock purchases. Farm Ownership loans can be used to purchase or enlarge a farm or ranch, or construct essential farm buildings and improvements.
Emergency loans are always direct loans for farmers who may have suffered physical or production losses in disaster areas designated by a Presidential or Secretarial disaster declaration.
Rural Youth Loans, Loans to Beginning Farmers and loans for socially disadvantaged applicants are also available through FSA.
General Eligibility Requirements for FSA Farm Loans:
• U.S. Citizen
• Legal capacity to incur the loan obligation
• Unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere
• Not delinquent on a federal debt
• Not have had a previous loan which resulted in a loss to the Agency (with certain exceptions)
• Satisfactory credit history
• No disqualification from Crop Insurance violations
• No conviction for controlled substance
For detailed information regarding loans and loan eligibility, contact the county office for an appointment with a farm loan representative.

2014 Farm Storage Facility Loan Program
The Farm Storage Facility Loan Program (FSFLP) allows producers of eligible commodities to obtain low-interest financing to build or upgrade farm storage and handling facilities.
The maximum principal amount of a loan through FSFL is $500,000. Participants are required to provide a down payment of 15 percent, with CCC providing a loan for the remaining 85 percent of the net cost of the eligible storage facility and permanent drying and handling equipment. Loan terms of seven, 10 or 12 years are available depending on the amount of the loan. Interest rates for each term rate may be different and are based on the rate, which CCC borrows from the Treasury Department.
Payments are available in the form of a partial disbursement and the remaining final disbursement. The partial disbursement will be available after a portion of the construction has been completed. The final fund disbursement will be made when all construction is completed. The maximum amount of the partial disbursement will be 50 percent of the projected and approved total loan amount.
Applications for FSFL must be submitted to the FSA county office that maintains the farm's records. An FSFL must be approved before any site preparation or construction can begin.
For more information about FSFL please visit your FSA county office or www.fsa.usda.gov.

Upcoming deadlines for 2013 and 2014
• Dec. 20 - new replacement ballots will be mailed by printing company.
• Dec.25 - Office Closed - Merry Christmas.
• Jan. 17, 2014 - last date to postmark or submit ballots to FSA office.
Farm Service Agency is an Equal Opportunity Lender, Complaints about discrimination should be sent to: Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250. Visit the Farm Service Agency website at: www.fsa.usda.gov/
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