Getting a start in the agricultural industry can be difficult, and finding a reliable source of credit when you're just starting out can be challenging. We have you covered.
Young, beginning, and small producers are vital to the economic health of agriculture and the rural communities we serve. Farm Credit of the Virginias has several programs to help these producers get started and remain successful in their operation that will be the future of our industry.
A young farmer is one who is 35 years of age or younger
A beginning farmer is one who has 10 or fewer years farming, ranching or aquatic agriculture experience in agriculture
A small farmer is one who generates less than $250,000 in annual gross agricultural or aquatic sales
A person and/or entity may qualify under multiple criteria or all criteria
Young, beginning and small farmers are welcomed and encouraged to attend one of our annual Farm Management Institutes. As an extension of the Farm Management Institute, attendees are eligible to apply for the Ag Biz Planner to learn how to best run their farming operations and complete a business plan for their operation.
View our Farm Management Institute Flyer.
See our Ag Biz flyer.
Learn more about FarmLaunch, a startup program to assist beginning, small and military-veteran farmers who do not currently qualify for traditional loans.
They may be eligible for our Youth Agricultural Loan Program . Read our flyer.
We're an FSA Preferred Lender. To better serve the needs of young, beginning and small farmers, Farm Credit is a Farm Service Agency (FSA) Preferred Lender. To help manage credit risk, we recommend participation in the FSA or other guarantee programs.
They may be eligible for our Youth Agricultural Loan Program.
Attention Veterans and those actively serving in the U.S. Military. Homegrown by Heroes is a product labeling certification now available through the Farmer Veteran Coalition and proudly sponsored by Farm Credit.