Start ‘em off early. Direct experience can teach kids a lot. The Farm Service Agency offers an operating loan option to eligible individual young folks ages 10 through 20 to finance income-producing, agriculture-related projects. Projects must be of modest size and educational. Projects must also be initiated, developed, and carried out by youths participating in 4-H clubs, FFA, tribal youth organizations, or similar agricultural-affiliated groups. With the help of an organization advisor, a project would produce sufficient income to repay the loan, and provide practical business and educational experience in agriculture-related skills. Projects are wide ranging and funds are often used to:
- buy livestock, feed,compost, seed, equipment, or supplies
- buy, rent, or repair needed tools and equipment
- pay operating expenses for the project
There is a loan maximum of $5,000. Repayment schedules vary based on the type of project.
To Apply
A complete plan, budget, and application must be signed by the project advisor and parent or guardian and submitted. Mattie Alewine (madeline.alewine@usda.gov), a Farm Service Agency Outreach Specialist, is a great resource to help with the application process and specific information about applying in your county. For more information visit the Farm Service Agency.
On October 12th there is a great opportunity coming up with the Oklahoma Local Agriculture Collaborative. They are featuring a workshop promoting the FSA youth loan program with Hannah Hart, USDA Farm Loan Officer. Hannah was an active 4-H member and received a USDA youth loan that helped her start her cattle operation. The workshops will be held at The Well, 210 James Garner Avenue, in Norman, OK. Visit oklac.org/centralworkshops for more information and to register.
FSA Youth Loan in Action
Jolie Marshall began her journey to a herd of cattle with a FSA youth loan in June of 2020. The loan provided enough to buy 3 bred cows and a cow/calf pair. With that start, she has been able to make regular payments on her loan, fund the purchase of show pigs, and support her music career. Operating in the Harrah/McLoud area she plays in many bands while maintaining her herd and caring for her show pigs. Her cows continue to have calves and the experience and connections she’s gained have given her a head start toward her goal of becoming an ag engineer. “There are so many skills I’ve gotten to try out.” Jolie says of the experience, going on to say that her favorite part has been the hands-on experience.
Jolie said the application process was, “really easy.” She credits the support of her parents, her ag teacher, and the Farm Service Agency for making the process straightforward. The FSA checks in every year to see how her project is going. She shares social support with her friends who participate in the program too. She feels fortunate that no big issues have cropped up, but for “Oklahoma’s crazy weather” which has proved to be the most challenging issue along the way. In spite of the fickle weather, Jolie has found success and credits the FSA Youth Loan for the seed that led to such growth.