Young, Beginning and Small Farmers Program

Like any business, it can be a monumental task to run a farm when you’re just getting started.  Like the farmers who have come before you, you’re responsible for the sustenance of our nation through the next generation.  We appreciate your initiative to step up and carry that torch.  So we offer you the resources that will make your job a little easier with our Young, Beginning and Small (YBS) Farmers Program.

We’re focused on building long-term relationships with the farmers of Southeast Missouri.  So we give special consideration in the loan approval process when working with our YBS customers.  We use less stringent owner equity, working capital and collateral standards to encourage credit to these groups of farmers.  When appropriate, we’ll also coordinate with governmental agencies and/or individuals to provide guarantees or co-signatures.

Wondering if you qualify for our YBS Program?  Here’s the criteria:

• Young farmer – A farmer, rancher, producer or harvester of aquatic products who is 35 years old or younger as of the loan transaction date.*
• Beginning farmer - A farmer, rancher, producer or harvester of aquatic products who has 10 years or less farming or ranching experience as of the loan transaction date.*
• Small farmer – A farmer, rancher, producer or harvester of aquatic products who normally generates less than $250,000 in annual gross sales of agricultural or aquatic products.

If you qualify for our YBS program, contact your nearest loan officer for tailored financing services for farmers like you. 

*A loan to a "young" or "beginning" borrower qualifies if the young or beginning borrower is obligated on the note or is an owner of the closely held entity being financed. A loan to a publicly held entity or other entity that is not closely held does not qualify.