FSA Youth Loans Build Future Farmers

Across our communities, young farmers are taking out loans, rolling up their sleeves and taking part in the American Dream in hopes of becoming future farmers with the ability to own a farm of their own one day.

Rebecca Hatcher and Jake Broadway are members of the Grundy County High School Future Farmers of America. When they decided to participate in the 4-H market steer project they contacted the Winchester Farm Service Agency (FSA) office about a youth loan. After receiving the loan, each purchased a market steer to show in 4-H shows in the area and the nearby county fair. Their plan is to market and sell the steers this summer and save the profit for college. Rebecca’s father, Wade Hatcher, is sponsoring both steers at his farm.

Rebecca Hatcher and Jake Broadway got their first taste of the cattle business through an FSA Youth Loan.

Rebecca had three years of FSA Youth Loans for the 4-H Market Swine program in Florida before relocating to Tennessee where her family purchased a farm. Although this will be Jake’s first experience entering the market steer project, he has three years of farming experience helping his uncle with chickens and working with his dad, Jeffery Broadway, performing daily farm chores.

The market steer project is designed to give the applicant a sense of responsibility and instill a love for cattle as well as an appreciation for the importance of the individual’s role in agriculture and society. Participation in this project was made possible when Rebecca and Jake each applied for and received a FSA Youth Loan through the Farm Service Agency. Rebecca is the daughter of Heidi and Wade Hatcher. Jake is the son of Debbie and Jeffery Broadway.

The Farm Service Agency’s Youth Loan program provides opportunities through financial assistance and business planning to help rural youth in building their future in agriculture, while ensuring the future of family farms. FSA Youth Loans are available for youth between the ages of 10 and 21, who are involved with 4-H, FFA or other similar agriculturally focused organizations. The project must be agriculturally related and produce a modest income.

Rebecca and Jake are proud to say that they got their start in the cattle business with help from the FSA Youth Loan program.
(reprinted from USDA Blog, Posted by Patricia F. Jones, Farm Loan Officer, Winchester, TN, on April 18, 2011 at 2:58 PM )