A Microloan Helps West Virginia Cattle Producer with a New Tractor and New Way of Life

Tammy considered closing the family business after multiple tractor breakdowns. She heard about the USDA Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Microloan program and was able to purchase a new tractor with a loader and round bailer.

By Lauren Moore and Dana Rogge, FSA Public Affairs Specialists

In the 1960s, the White brothers, James and Dallas, began a partnership known today as White Farms in Barbour County, West Virginia. After the deaths of both brothers, the legacy of their cow/calf operation has been carried on by James’ wife, Joyce, and his children, James Jr. and Tammy.

Since 2014, Tammy has taken over the daily operation of the farm.

“The most difficult part about being a farmer is finding the time to get everything finished. There is always something to do. When I’m not at the farm, I’m a civil education and health teacher at a middle school,” she said. “Throughout the school year, I get up and go to work and I take care of the farm after school. I feed the cattle, check to see if any of the cows are going to calve and take care of any repairs.”

Tammy considered closing the family business after multiple tractor breakdowns. She heard about the USDA Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Microloan program for beginning farmers through a friend. She contacted and worked with her local FSA Farm Loan Officer, Chris Winslow, to get started.

“It was a hardship just for her to get her cattle fed in the winter and trying to keep her older equipment up and going,” Winslow said.

FSA Microloans are focused on the financing needs of small, beginning farmer, niche and non-traditional farm operations, such as truck farms, farms participating in direct marketing and sales such as farmers’ markets, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) operations, restaurants and grocery stores, or those using hydroponic, aquaponic, organic and vertical growing methods.

Through her microloan, White was able to purchase a new tractor with a loader and round bailer.

“The tractor has four-wheel drive, which we didn’t have before. The baler made everything much more efficient,” she said. “It’s so much easier to feed the cattle now.”

Winslow said the new equipment also alleviates any safety issues that White might have had navigating a two-wheel drive tractor through the hills of West Virginia.

“She is tickled over the tractor,” Winslow said. “That’s her baby. It’s pretty much made life a whole lot easier on her.”

For more information about FSA Microloans, contact your local FSA office or visit www.fsa.usda.gov. To find your local FSA office, visit http://offices.usda.gov.