Hank participated in FSA’s Youth Loan program to buy two head of cattle for his own cattle operation in 2015.
By Lauren Moore, FSA Public Affairs Specialist
Hank Schaardt grew up on his family’s cattle operation and feedyard in Pawnee County, Nebraska, where he dreamed to one day have a bigger hand in operations and to carry on his family’s legacy.
“Agriculture is what I know,” he said. “This is what I’ve always wanted to do. I just can’t see myself working in an office. I love the outdoors too much.”
As a child, Schaardt helped his father, Steve, with tasks around their operation. When he was in middle school, he cared for his own herd of 50 goats.
“The best way to learn is by being out there and learning hands on, that’s what my dad says,” he said.
In high school, he was an active member of 4-H and FFA. In 2015, he participated in the USDA Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Youth Loan Program to buy two head of cattle for his own cattle operation.
The purpose of FSA’s Youth Loan Program is to help youth start and operate income-producing projects of modest size, in connection with their participation in 4-H clubs, FFA, a Tribal youth group or similar agricultural youth organizations, to acquire experience and education in agriculture-related skills.
Now at the age of 18, Schaardt is a man with a plan. He has a herd of 10 cattle and recently took out an FSA Beginning Farmer Operating Loan to add 90 head of cattle to his operation.
Schaardt recently used an FSA Beginning Farmer Operating Loan to add 90 head of cattle to his operation.
FSA helps America’s next generation of farmers and ranchers through the Beginning Farmer loan programs. Operating loans can assist beginning farmers in becoming prosperous and competitive by helping to pay normal operating or family living expenses, open doors to new markets and marketing opportunities, assist with diversifying operations and more.
While Schaardt is busy living his dream, it hasn’t been an easy road. In 2016, during his senior year of high school, he was diagnosed with Leukemia. After nine months of treatment, he is now in remission.
“Through all of the trials Hank has had thrown at him, his attitude on life is remarkable,” said Denise Lickteig, FSA farm loan manager. “Hank is a really good, hardworking kid who just wants to succeed. We are going to do all we can to give him a leg up and be successful.”
Schaardt plans to keep adding to his cattle herd and helping out with family operations.
“I joke with Denise and tell her that I want to have 1,000 head,” said Schaardt. “I would like to have 200 to 300 head sometime in the near future and continue helping my dad with the feedyard. I’m my dad’s right hand man.”
For more information about FSA loan programs, contact your local FSA office or visit www.fsa.usda.gov. To find your local FSA office, visit http://offices.usda.gov.
