SPRINGFIELD — New and beginning farmers and ranchers in Illinois have an agricultural Microloan credit option to consider. As of Jan. 15, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will offer its customers a Microloan designed to help farmers and ranchers with credit needs of $35,000 or less. The loan features a streamlined application and a simplified qualifications process built to fit the needs of new and smaller producers.

“This innovative offering will be more customer-friendly than our larger, more traditional loan programs,” said USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Scherrie Giamanco. “Farmers and ranchers seeking a smaller loan for start-up or operational needs now have a great new tool to consider.”

As an example, for those selling at Farmers’ Market or through community-supported agriculture operations, a Microloan might serve their needs perfectly,