Young and beginning farmer loans provide flexible and favorable financing rates and terms for young farmers, beginning farmers, and small farmers. High Plains Farm Credit’s loan program offers access to capital and unique tools to help young and beginning farmers grow their operations.

HPFC Young, Beginning, and Small Farmer Program

Discover financing options designed specifically for beginning farmers, young producers, and those running a small farm or ranch. Our beginning farmer loans help you purchase land, equipment, and more as you grow your farming operation.

Get the financial support your farm or ranch needs to thrive.

A farmer working on repairing a fence in the field, maintaining agricultural property on a sunny day in the countryside.

Understanding Our Beginning Farmer Loans

What are YBS Loans and How Do They Help First-Time Farmers?

YBS loans are created to support young farmers, beginning farmers, and small farmers. These loans provide access to capital with favorable rates and terms, allowing you to invest in your farming operation.

Key Benefits of YBS Loans

  • Expert Loan Officers: The HPFC team has years of experience working alongside beginning farmers every step of the way.

  • Customized Financing: We tailor flexible financing packages to meet your needs and have experience working with applicants who do not meet typical loan underwriting standards.

  • Support for Land and Equipment: You can use your YBS loan for purchasing land, equipment, and other farming essentials.

  • Partnership With Other Loan Programs: Our team works with various state and federal programs to serve the needs of a beginning farmer.

  • Unique Trainings and Programs: YBS producers can attend the annual Grow Your Future Forum, access resources from AgBizInfo, and more!

Learn About Your Ag Opportunity

Is a Young, Beginning, and Small Farmer Loan Right for You?

If you meet one or more of the following criteria, the answer is “Yes!”

Young Farmer

35 years of age or younger

Beginning Farmer

less than 10 years of farming, ranching, or aquatic agriculture experience

Small Farmer

produces $350,000 or less in gross farm sales

National Support for YBS Farmers and Ranchers

Annual Report on the Farm Credit System’s Young, Beginning, and Small Farmer Mission Performance

Supporting the next generation in agriculture is central to the Farm Credit mission and 2024 marked a big step forward in that commitment.

Our partnership with young, beginning, and small producers continues to grow and this year’s report to the Farm Credit Administration reflects that increasing support. We’re proud to stand by YBS farmers and ranchers as they build the future of the ag industry.

0
New Loans to YBS Producers
$0
Billion New YBS Loan Volume
0%
Increase in New YBS Loan Count

*As of December 31, 2024. Beginning in 2024, the Farm Credit Administration revised the reporting categories for young, beginning or small (YBS) producers. Any YBS data prior to 2024 is reported separately.

Frequently Asked Questions About Young and Beginning Loans

Ready to find out how our young, beginning, and small farmer program makes a difference for producers just like you? Check out these frequently asked questions and contact our team for details!

The young, beginning, and small farmer program is designed for producers who meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • Young producers are 35 years old or younger.
  • Beginning producers have less than 10 years of farming, ranching, or aquatic agriculture experience.
  • Small producers have $350,000 or less in gross farm sales.

If you fit one of these categories, our program could be just what you’re looking for!

When you apply for a young, beginning, and small farmer loan, you partner with an experienced team member to walk you through the process. We’ll help you create a flexible financing package to fit your specific operation and its growth goals.

But the relationship doesn’t end there! Even after closing, the HPFC team is proud to offer continued expertise and access to YBS trainings and programs.

The young, beginning, and small farmer program offers lending opportunities to applicants who might not meet typical loan underwriting standards.

Contact our team today to find out more about the unique ways High Plains Farm Credit can structure your loan.

In addition to flexible financing options that take into consideration your situation and needs, your loan officer can help connect you with training opportunities and educational events.

One of our favorite annual programs is the Grow Your Future Forum, during which young and beginning producers from around the country connect to share their experiences and learn from industry experts.

Each year, High Plains Farm Credit covers travel and conference expenses for selected YBS producers who apply to attend.

High Plains Farm Credit is a proud partner of AgBizInfo, the most comprehensive source of education and business resources for YBS farmers and ranchers in the United States.

This free tool provides an extensive range of articles, videos, podcasts, and infographics – all addressing topics that matter to you and your farm or ranch.

Yes! We can work alongside state and federal programs, like those offered by the USDA. Your loan officer can coordinate all the details.

Just like our traditional lending customers, YBS producers join our cooperative and can share in our success through the patronage dividends program.

It all boils down to experience. The High Plains Farm Credit team is committed to serving farmers and ranchers in rural Kansas.

Partnering with the future generations in the ag industry means we get to pass down what we’ve learned over the years, so you can take that information and use it to expand your own ideas!

Contact our team today to find out what documentation you need to apply for a YBS loan from High Plains Farm Credit.

Aerial view of a large farm with storage silos, farming equipment, and expansive agricultural fields under a clear sky.

Don’t Assume Your Farming Dream is Out of Reach

Young Farmer Loans Start Here:

Agriculture is one of the most demanding and challenging professions, especially for those just starting out. The HPFC team is your partner as you work for the future of the industry.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your farming journey, we offer a wealth of resources to help you succeed. Draw some inspiration from a YBS success story and then…

Contact our team to get started with your beginning farmer loan.