Starting out in agriculture isn’t easy. Land is expensive, equipment costs add up quickly, and navigating loan options can feel overwhelming. At Agri Business Finance, we believe young farmers who are just starting their journey deserve more than just encouragement. They deserve access, opportunity, and a lending partner who truly understands the industry.

The Young Farmer Program is just one way we’re helping young farmers take root and grow strong operations.

What is the Young Farmer Program?

Starting a farm from the ground up is no small feat, but the USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) is helping make it more accessible through its Young and Beginning Farmer programs. Designed for individuals who’ve been in agriculture for less than 10 years, these programs provide crucial financial tools like Direct Farm Ownership Loans, Operating Loans, and even Down Payment Loans to help new farmers secure land, equipment, and livestock. For those just getting started, Microloans and Youth Loans offer smaller-scale funding opportunities, including support for supervised agricultural projects for youth aged 10 to 20. By lowering the barriers to entry and offering hands-on support, the FSA is investing in the next generation of producers and ensuring a strong future for American agriculture.

Accessible Financing That Opens the Door to Ownership

One of the biggest barriers for new farmers is capital, especially when it comes to buying land or funding your first planting season. Traditional lenders often require high down payments, have rigid lending terms, and will only lend to those who have years of financial history that young farmers simply haven’t had the time to build.

Our Young Farmers Program is designed differently.

We offer:

• Minimal to no down payment options for qualified borrowers
• Competitive interest rates to keep your payments manageable
• Custom loan structures that align with your operation’s timeline and cash flow

Whether you’re buying a farm, investing in equipment, or covering operating expenses, we help structure loans that support your goal instead of limiting them.

Expert Guidance and a Long-Term Lending Relationship

At Agri Business Finance, we don’t just approve loans, we build partnerships. Our team brings decades of experience in agriculture and ag finance, and we work closely with young farmers to provide the guidance that makes all the difference early on.

From your first planning meeting to your fifth harvest season, we’re here to:

• Help you develop a smart, workable loan strategy
• Offer honest insights based on real ag industry experience
• Adjust and adapt loan structures as your loan operation grows

We understand that no two farms, and no two farmers, are alike. That’s why we focus on relationships, not transactions. When you work with us, you’re not just getting funding. You’re gaining a partner invested in your long-term success.

Leveraging Available Programs to Your Advantage

We know you have options when it comes to choosing who you work with and what programs are available out there, but going through the process can be confusing if you’re navigating it alone. Our team is dedicated to making sure the Young Farmer program is right for you, first and foremost.

We walk you through what’s available, help you prepare your application, and ensure you’re positioned to take full advantage of every resource available to you. Because when you’re just starting out, you don’t need more red tape. You need someone who knows how to cut through it.

Ready to get started? Let’s talk!

For young farmers, the dream of building a successful farming operation can seem daunting, but with the right support, that dream can turn into reality. The Young Farmers Program at Agri Business Finance is here to offer that support, with smart loan solutions and a team that understands both your challenges and your vision.

Have questions about the Young Farmer Program and the qualification process? Contact our team to have your questions answered!