FSA Program Helps Out Young Farmers

With farmers and ranchers growing older each year, the government is trying to help new blood get into the business.

Chris Dalley and his family run Pale Horse Cattle Company, a ranch southwest of Blackfoot.

Dalley said the average farmer across the country is getting close to retiring, and the industry needs young people getting into the business.

But he said, one of the biggest obstacles for a new farmer or rancher is just trying to get a loan.

“The cost of equipment, and especially now the cost of land is so high, that if you’re not inheriting something it’s pretty hard to buy something,? Dalley said.

The Farm Service Agency, a branch of the US Department of Agriculture, is trying to make it easier for new farmers and ranchers to start out.

Tather than needing to go get a loan through a bank, if a land-owner or older farmer sells to someone trying to buy their first farm, the FSA will guarantee the money to the seller.

“They’re great ways to help the new beginning farmers and help transfer some of those existing farms to the new generations,? FSA farm loan officer Benjamin Young said.

Dalley said the FSA programs aren’t just a big help to young farmers, but almost a necessity.

“With the FSA programs that help out young farmers, in my mind, that’s the only way you’re going to get going, is with help from the FSA,? Dalley said.

Go to http://start2farm.gov/ to learn more about FSA help for beginning farmers.