Application and Qualifications :: Montana Department of Agriculture

Beginning Farm & Ranch Loan Program

Application and Qualifications

The beginning farmer/rancher must have a net worth of $477,000 or less.
The beginning farmer/rancher may not have previously owned any substantial amount of farm/ranch land. Any parcel of land is substantial farm/ranch land unless the parcel is smaller than 30 percent of the median size of a farm or ranch in the county the parcel is located.
Beginning Farm/Ranch Loan Program funds may be used to purchase agricultural land, agricultural improvements, and depreciable agricultural property.
Property may be purchased from relatives only through third-party lenders.
The loan maximums under existing federal laws are:
◦$477,000 for agricultural land and improvements.
◦Of the possible $477,000, no more than $125,000 can be for depreciable agricultural property, of which no more than $62,500 can be for "used" property.

There is no minimum loan amount, under the program. The financial institution will make a credit evaluation of the beginning farmer/rancher, establish collateral deemed necessary and, with the beginning farmer/rancher, arrange the terms of the loan or contract.

Application forms. Follow link at bottom of page.

Current financial statement.

Background letter.

Non refundable $50 application fee.

There is no formal or defined application period. The loan program is ongoing; therefore, an application may be submitted at any time.

Rural Development Bureau

Montana Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 200201
Helena, MT 59620-0202
Phone: (406) 444-2402
Fax: (406) 444-9442

Published: 2011/10/13 9:11:00 MDT.
Last Modified: 2011/11/08 9:11:03 MST