New Farm Loans Web page allows users to easily find information on loan programs offered through the Farm Service Agency.
Finding farm loan applications or information on the farm loan process has just gotten a lot easier.
Functional, easy to navigate and chock full of information, the newly redesigned Farm Service Agency Farm Loan Program Web page is setup to provide step-by-step instructions on applying for a loan, detailed information on types of loans available and resources to assist producers with day-to-day operations.
“We not only heard what people were saying, we listened,” said Anne Steppe, FSA senior loan officer and coordinator of the Web redesign. “Before [the redesign], a producer would have to go to another site or a county office to get this information. Now they can come directly to this website.”
The content for the updated Web page was developed from suggestions received by producers and community-based organizations across the country on how to improve online access to program information and loan application forms. After a year and a half of meetings and consultations, the final product was released in July.
“We want people to know that FSA is here to help and that we will make a conscious effort to help each producer figure out what they need, and give them a running start,” said Steppe.
The Farm Loan Program home page provides users 12 different multi-colored squares that help navigate through the site. They include:
Your Guide to Farm Loan Programs
A booklet written for people who need assistance starting, expanding or owning a farm or ranch.
FLP Connect
Offers resources and announcements to assist producers.
Farm Operating Loans
Provides information on Direct Farm Operating loans used to establish, maintain or strengthen a farm or ranch. Direct loans can be used for livestock and feed, farm equipment; insurance and other operating costs; minor improvements and to help refinance farm-related debts.
Farm Ownership Loans
These loans provide farmers and ranchers the opportunity to purchase farmland, construct and repair building or make farm improvements.
Emergency Farm Loans
Provides loans to farmers and ranchers affected by a natural disaster.
Guaranteed Farm Loans
Permits lenders to make agricultural credit available to farmers who do not meet the lender’s normal underwriting criteria.
Minority and Women Farmers and Ranchers
The agency targets a portion of its loan funds to minorities and women farmers and ranchers. This group includes women, African-Americans, Alaskan Natives, American Indians, Hispanics, Asians, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.
Beginning Farmers and Ranchers
A portion of the agency’s loan funds are targeted to small and beginning farmers and ranchers.
Rural Youth Loans
Loans are available to individual rural youths to establish and operate income-producing projects in connection with their participation in 4-H clubs, FFA and similar organizations.
Farm Loan Applications
Forms and instructions on how to complete each form is available.
Other links like Start2Farm, FSA Farm Programs and Risk Management also are available, making the Web page a one-stop shop for users.
“We wanted to link to other agencies and organizations so people can see how we are all connected,” said Steppe. “A lot of people don’t know or understand how we work together. By placing links to other agencies and resources, producers can see how we come together to help them succeed.”
