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BEGINNING FARMER/RANCHER
• Application (Word)
• Program Brochure
Préstamos a Bajo Interés para los nuevos Granjeros y Rancheros (PDF)
Media Releases
• Graduation: farm entrepreneurs
• Financing for 31 Acres in Chehalis

Beginning Farmer/Rancher Program

FINANCING TO HELP YOU GET STARTED

The Washington State Housing Finance Commission, in partnership with Northwest Farm Credit Services, provides low-interest loans to help new farmers get started with land, equipment, buildings, and even animals.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

If you have never owned and operated a farm or ranch before, or if you have owned/operated one that was less than 30% of the county’s median farm size, you may be eligible. Median Farm Size Chart (PDF)

HOW MUCH CAN I BORROW?

Loans from this program are limited to $524,200. (Other limits: up to $250,000 for depreciable farm property and up to $62,500 for used equipment/ personal property.) However, our financing can be combined with loans, grants or other funds for projects larger than $524,200.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

The beginning farmer and rancher(s) and/or their children must directly manage and perform the labor for the farming operation. Off-farm income is permitted. The agricultural land, agricultural improvements and depreciable farm property acquired with proceeds of the bond must be used for farming purposes during the term of the bond.

WHAT CAN I FINANCE?

Agricultural land (no homes)

Buildings—new or existng

Agricultural improvements

Machinery and equipment

Animal stock

APPLICATION PROCESS

Contact Wendy Knopp at Northwest Farm Credit Services prior to sending application or if you have questions about loan terms and qualifications: 509-340-5476 or email wendy.knopp@farm-credit.com

Download the Application (Word)

QUESTIONS

If you have questions concerning initial eligibility for the Beginning Farmer/Rancher Loan Program, please contact:

Dan Schilling, Senior Development Analyst
Multifamily Housing & Community Facilities Division
206.287.4415 or 800.767.4663 | dan.schilling@wshfc.org
 

David Clifton, Assistant Director
Multifamily Housing & Community Facilities Division
206.287.4407 or 800.767.4663 | david.clifton@wshfc.org