New loan program for farmers, ranchers
Tiffany Sukola | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 11 years, 8 months AGO
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. 1105.
MORE IMPORTED STORIES

New USDA loan program helps new, specialty farmers
Columbia Basin Herald | Updated 12 years, 1 month ago
ARTICLES BY TIFFANY SUKOLA

Grant County cracks down on underage drinking
MOSES LAKE - Grant County teens continue to get access to and consume alcohol, according to the most recent Washington Healthy Youth Study, which is a trend members of the Moses Lake Community Prevention Coalition are working to reverse.

Amway breaks ground for Port of Quincy facility
QUINCY - Amway officials signaled the start of construction on their $38 million botanical manufacturing facility during a ground breaking ceremony.

HOPE hosts toy collection for Grant County kids
MOSES LAKE - The HOPE Agency Family Services is holding a Christmas toy drive to help bring Christmas to kids in the Grant County area who may not get to experience a traditional holiday.