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 $682,700. (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 $682,700.
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
How to Apply
Submit an application for a business loan through our loan partner, AgWest Farm Credit. Their loan officers will help you access this program and other resources.
Questions
If you have questions concerning initial eligibility for the Beginning Farmer/Rancher Loan Program, please contact:
Dan Schilling, Senior Bond/Housing Credit Analyst
Multifamily Housing & Community Facilities Division
206-287-4415 or 800.767.4663 | dan.schilling@wshfc.org