Bob Arnold earned his grandson $5,000 and five cows just by listening to the radio.
“It’s important to get started young,” said Arnold, a Johnson County, Mo., farmer who listens to 100.7 FM “The Farm” radio each morning.
During one morning he overheard a representative from the Johnson County Farm Service Agency discussing the youth loan program. After hearing the details he called his son Robbie, with hopes of encouraging his grandson Russell to apply.
Two months later, his grandson was the proud owner of a herd of Angus-cross cattle, financed through the FSA Youth Loan Program.
“I want my grandson to have this lending experience early on in life,” said Arnold. “It takes more to make it in agriculture today and this program has a lot to offer a young person who wants to get started.”
With the $5,000 loan, 12-year-old Russell purchased five young cows to add to the one cow he already owned.
“I bought my first cow with money I earned working for my dad and grandpa on the farm,” said Russell. Today he has six healthy cows on the ground, with the goal of continuing to build his herd throughout high school and into college.
Russell’s grandfather and father both operate farms in Johnson County and began their livestock operations with hogs; however, the tough hog market eventually forced them to transition to a cattle operation, which supplements their row crop production.
“We all want more for our kids and I believe Russell will be successful with a cow/calf operation just as we have been,” said Robbie. “The low interest rate that FSA offers will really help him get his foot in the door.”
Russell maintains his cattle on a portion of one of his grandfather’s farms. This past summer he worked with his own cattle, but also helped with the hay harvest and the other cattle.
“It is rewarding to see an excellent family like the Arnolds take advantage of our youth loan program,” said Kyle Meyer, executive director of the Johnson County Farm Service Agency. “We’re looking at three generations of cattle producers here, and I’m glad to be a part of Russell’s success.”
Russell is a member of the local 4-H Club and chose a cow/calf operation for his 4-H project. After discussing Russell’s project with his 4-H leader, the Arnolds determined that a three-year term loan would work best for his project.
“We work with the family and the project advisor to determine what will work best for the youth involved, said Meyer. “Russell’s goal of increasing the size of his herd is what we’ll focus on in the next few years.”
—by Kyle Meyer, Johnson County, MO., County Executive Director, USDA FSA
