Farm Beginnings - Livestock Loan

What is Farm Beginnings?

Contact FB in Minnesota

Contact FB in Other Regions

Beginning Farmer Resources

Hmong & Spanish Language Resources

Farm Beginnings Home

Livestock Loan

Goals of Program
Who Can Apply
Numbers & Species
Recipient Obligations
Application Process

Farm Beginnings partnered with Heifer International to provide a zero interest revolving livestock loan for qualified beginning farmers. Graduates of Farm Beginnings are eligible to apply for a no-interest loan of a variety of livestock species, including dairy and beef cattle, swine, poultry, goats and sheep.

The Livestock Loan Program helps farmers build equity while supporting them with a continuing education component that connects them with an adviser. Currently, 20 livestock loans totaling over $200,000 have been awarded to Farm Beginnings graduates. Seven loan recipients have paid back the loan money in full.

Goals of Program

To help beginning farmers, committed to environmentally sound agricultural practices, build equity and get started farming.
To help support beginning farmers through a continued educational component and connection with an advisor.
To help network beginning farmers with like-minded individuals, innovative established farmers, conferences and resources.

Who Can Apply

Individuals who have completed the Farm Beginnings course are eligible to apply for the Livestock Loan. Successful applicants will meet the requirements outlined by the Livestock Loan Guidelines.

Numbers & Species

Maximum amount of animals an individual may apply for:

15 bred dairy heifers – 2nd lactation cow or,
15 bred beef heifers or calves at side and up to one bull or,
15 bred gilts or sows and up to one boar or,
12 two- year old bred dairy does and up to one buck or,
30 bred meat goat does and up to one buck or,
30 bred ewes and up to one ram or,
Broiler chicks, feeders, waterers, and movable pens- Up to $1,500**

**The chickens can be a complementary project in the second year

The money that is passed-on (in 2-5 years depending on the species) will be returned to the revolving loan fund to help other beginning farmers.

Recipient Obligations

Individuals accepted into the program agree to participate in quarterly site visits and continued training. Recipients must keep up-to-date financial records, and must submit required reports and surveys. There will be reports and surveys that must be submitted.

An important component of the program is to collect ecological data that monitors the impact of the agricultural practices implemented. Opportunities and expectations to host tours and offer information to other beginning farmers will also exist.

Application Process

Complete the Farm Beginnings course.
Review the Livestock Loan application and guidelines.
Call 507-523-3366 for further information or with questions.

Quick Links

Tel: 612-722-6377