EPHRATA - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency is making it easier for farmers and ranchers to secure funding for start-up costs or operating expenses.

The agency's new micro-loan program has a more streamlined application process and has less farm experience and collateral requirements than other loan programs, farm loan manager Libby Anderson said.

Loans can be made up to $35,000, she said. Funds can be used for start-up costs, farm improvements and equipment or livestock purchases.

"If I wanted to buy a tractor or some cows, this loan is a good way to get that," Anderson said. "It's good for start-up farmers, farmer's market folks or other farmers who need a little boost."

The loans come with a low interest rate, she said. In September, rates were around 1.8 percent.

Rates should stay about the same for October, Anderson said.

"A regular bank lending money would have a higher interest rate," she said. "Our loans are typically for folks who can't get financing elsewhere or just need a quick loan without a lot of the paperwork."

For more information about the micro-loan program, visit www.fsa.usda.gov or call 509-754-2463, ext. 1