Emery County Farm Bureau annual meeting

By COREY BLUEMEL Staff writer

Lori Brady of Farm Service Agency addressed the Emery County Farm Bureau annual meeting. She explained the many programs available to farmers and ranchers.
“Our goal is to stabilize farms. There is a program available for all farmers and ranchers,” said Brady.
She went on to list the programs available. There are loan programs designed to help farmers who are temporarily unable to obtain private, commercial credit. In many cases, these are beginning farmers who have insufficient net worth to qualify for commercial credit. In other cases, these are farmers who have suffered financial setbacks from natural disasters, or who have limited resources with which to establish and maintain profitable farming operations.
Another loan program is the farm ownership loan program. Eligible applicants may obtain direct loans up to a maximum indebtedness of $200,000. These loan funds may be used to purchase farm real estate, to enlarge an existing farm, to construct new farm buildings and/or improve structures, and to improve the environmental soundness of the farm.
Farm ownership down payment loans is another program. Eligible beginning farmer applicants may obtain a direct loan for up to 40 percent of the purchase price of a family sized farm. The price or appraised valued of the farm, whichever is lower, may not exceed $250,000.
A program that is directed at young farmers is the rural youth loans. These are available as direct loans only and have a maximum loan amount of $5,000. Rural youth loans may be made to individuals who are sponsored by a project advisor, such as 4-H clubs, FFA or local vocational instructor. Individuals must be at least 10 but not more than 20 years old to be eligible.
“If you need help with a farm, operating funds, waterstock, livestock, or equipment, come see us and we will determine how we can help,” said Brady. “Refinance funds are available now. October began our year and we are in the beginning.”
“Another thing FSA can help with is selling a farm or ranch. If you have a farm or permits for sale, let us know. We can put the word out. We get a lot of calls from interested parties asking if we know of anything in the area. Our goal is to get young farmers established in agriculture.
“Last year, our office in Emery County loaned out $2.8 million, more than any other office in Utah. We also have emergency grant programs to help with weather related emergencies such as if the recent rains had washed out your diversion dam. If we can’t help, we can find a solution for you,” concluded Brady.
Farm Bureau officers for this year were installed. They are: Jay Mark Humphrey, president, Jordan Hatch-vice president, Barbra Jones-secretary, board members Courtney Guymon, Lee Jeffs, Vernell Rowley, Joy Humphrey, Montell Seely and Leon McElprang.