Heritage Land Bank

YBS

YBSLoan Programs for Young, Beginning and Small Farmers and Ranchers

Heritage Land Bank recognizes that adequate capital resources are a significant obstacle facing Young, Beginning, and Small (YBS) farmers and ranchers. Heritage is also aware that the future success of America’s agricultural and/or aquatic production is dependent on adding and retaining a new generation of producers who are well trained in production and marketing and has access to a steady source of financing. Financing to YBS operators is of utmost importance.

The Young, Beginning, and Small (YBS) Farmer/Rancher Programs exist in order to offer more financing options for farmers and ranchers who fit into certain categories. The YBS Program offers alternate financing and guarantee options for farmers and ranchers who are just getting started, as well as small or part-time operations.

The YBS categories are defined as follows:

What is a Young, Beginning or Small Farmer?

  • Young Borrower:
    A farmer, rancher, or producer or harvester of aquatic products who is age 35 or younger as of the loan transaction date.
  • Beginning Borrower:
    A farmer, rancher, or producer or harvester of aquatic products who has 10 years or less farming or ranching experience as of the loan transaction date.
  • Small Farmer and/or Rancher:
    A farmer, rancher, or producer or harvester of aquatic products who normally generates less than $250,000 in annual gross sales of agricultural or aquatic products.

YBS Loan Programs

AgFast Loan Scoring Program
Our AgFast Loan Scoring Program is designed to provide quick loan approval on loans under $300,000 which meets the lending needs of the majority of our YBS borrower’s.

4H & FFA Loan Program
Our 4-H and FFA Loan Program provides financing to students involved in 4-H or FFA in need of assistance to purchase their market or breeding livestock, materials for shop projects, or to purchase feed for their livestock. A maximum loan amount of up to $5,000 is available at a low interest rate. Both student, parents and/or legal guardian must sign the note agreeing to the repayment terms. Loan is subject to certain qualifications.

Government Guarantee Programs
When possible, the association will use various government guarantee programs in order to make loans to young, beginning and small farmers.