USDA launches new tool for farmers

A United States Department of Agriculture tool for farmers, released July 17, will provide farmers and ranchers with information to find a loan option to fit their needs.

Named Farm Loan Discovery, the website was launched in 2018 to provide a platform where famers could apply for programs and manage their accounts.

“Access to credit is critical in the agriculture industry, especially for new farmers,” said Bill Northey, Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation.

The Farm Service Agency offers loans to help farmers get started, purchase equipment and buy land.

According to the FSA website, in one year the agency recorded an 18 percent increase in loans to farmers.

To use the tool, farmers answer a few questions about funding needs. After pushing the submit button, farmers receive information about the best fitting loans for them and additional resources.

The website also provides guides for farmers who are interested in the loan process. The guides address loans for individuals, entities, microloans and youth.