Description
By Sara Siems, Joshua Campbell and Gina Peek, many small-scale and beginning farmers and ranchers are looking for loans to subsidize operating expenses. Additional capital may be needed to build a hoop house or greenhouse, dig a pond, improve irrigation, buy livestock, or fund costs associated with hosting an educational field day. The federal government, as well as state governments, local governments, local organizations, and foundations, sometimes set aside funding to help farmers invest in their businesses. Some funding sources will provide the full amount needed, while others use a cost-sharing or matching model.
