The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers loan programs to help beginning farmers finance agricultural operations and establish their farming businesses.
Through its direct and guaranteed farm loan programs, the FSA provides financing opportunities to eligible applicants who are starting or developing their agricultural enterprises.
To qualify as a beginning farmer under the program, applicants generally must meet several requirements. They must have operated a farm for no more than 10 years, materially and substantially participate in the farm’s operation, and agree to participate in an FSA-sponsored loan assessment, borrower training and financial management program.
Applicants also must not own a farm larger than 30 percent of the average farm size in their county.
Individuals interested in applying or learning more about eligibility requirements are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center or visit the Farm Service Agency website at fsa.usda.gov.
Local Contact Information
Beginning farmers in Wapello County can contact the USDA Service Center in Ottumwa for additional information.
Wapello County USDA Service Center
2938 Oak Meadow Drive
Ottumwa, IA 52501
Phone: 641-684-6515
Additional contacts include:
- Elizabeth (Lanie) Benjamin, FSA County Executive Director — elizabeth.benjamin@usda.gov
- Lindsey Westphal, FSA Farm Loan Manager — lindsey.westphal@usda.gov
- Brooke Guthrie, NRCS District Conservationist — brooke.guthrie@usda.gov
Applicants can also locate their local FSA farm program or farm loan office through the USDA Farm Service Agency Office Locator.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency (FSA).
