Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Farm Service Agency Increases Guaranteed Loan Limit

Harrison County USDA Farm Loan Manager Charles Meissen announced that the loan limit for the Guaranteed Loan Program will increase to $1,214,000. The limit is adjusted annually based on the "Prices Paid to Farmers Index," compiled by the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

"Raising the guaranteed loan limit will allow FSA to better meet the financial needs of producers across the state," said Meissen.

Another change will affect the one-time loan guarantee fee charged on all FSA loans obligated after October 1st, 2011. The one-time loan guarantee fee will increase from 1.0% to 1.5% of the guaranteed portion of the loan.

FSA guaranteed loans allow lenders to provide agricultural credit to farmers who do not meet the lender's normal underwriting criteria. Farmers and ranchers apply for a guaranteed loan through a commercial lender and the lender arranges for the guarantee. FSA can guarantee up to 95% of the loss of principal and interest on a loan. Guaranteed loans can be used for both farm ownership and operating purposes.

Producers who are unable to obtain financing through a commercial lender, including a guaranteed loan, could be eligible for a FSA Direct Loan. These loans are made by FSA with government funds and the limit is $300,000 (except for Emergency Loans which have a limit of $500,000). The maximum combined guaranteed and direct farm loan indebtedness is now $1,514,000.

For more information on FSA's farm loan programs, please contact Charles Meissen at the Harrison County USDA Service Center at (660) 425-7635.

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