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Growing Forward

The Growing Forward^® program offers young and first time farmers the loan and financing options, financial education, and support they need to build a thriving operation.

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Preparing Agriculture’s Next Generation

A sustainable future for agriculture hinges on a financially secure generation of young and beginning farmers. Our Growing Forward^® program helps reduce the barriers for first time farmers by providing access to the farm loan and financial education opportunities they need to build a thriving operation. To be eligible, farmers must be 35 years old or younger or have less than 10 years of farming experience.

Eligibility & Requirements

Be age 35 or younger OR have less than 10 years of farming experience
Complete a loan application and a five page business plan:
- General business plan template
- Cattle operation business plan template
Attend one Know to Grow^® conference

Interested in learning more about Growing Forward? Get started by filling out the form below and one of our team members will be in touch.

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Growing Forward got my brother and I thinking about goals and where we want to be.
Jacob C.
Indiana

Are you an innovative young or beginning farmer? If so, check out our Forward Thinker award.

Helping Young & Beginning Farmers Grow

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Learn from experts

Connect with industry experts and network with other young, beginning and first-time farmers at our Know to Grow^® conferences. Learn about the basics of agricultural finance and how it relates to your unique operation.

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Build a solid plan

Developing a business plan is one of the Growing Forward^® requirements, but you don't have to tackle it alone. Work with your local Financial Officer to put together a long-term business plan and connect yearly to discuss your annual financial updates.

Backed by Farm Credit Mid-America

Growing Forward^® is backed by the stability and experience of the Farm Credit Mid-America cooperative. Growing Forward^® customers can enjoy cooperative benefits, such as voting for Board of Directors, and the potential to earn patronage^† on eligible loans.

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Please answer the following question.

Are you 35 years or younger, or have less than 10 years of farming experience?

Growing Forward® and Know to Grow® are registered trademarks of Farm Credit Mid-America.

* Loans and leases are subject to credit approval. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Farm Credit Mid-America is an equal opportunity lender.

† Patronage is an annual decision made by the Board of Directors to return earnings to eligible customers. To learn more about patronage or patronage eligibility, please visit our Patronage page.

Farm Credit Mid-America territory includes Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee. Arkansas includes Clay, Craighead, Crittenden, Cross, Desha (northeast of the White River), Greene, Lee, Mississippi, Phillips, Poinsett, and St. Francis counties. Missouri includes Carter, Ripley and Wayne counties. Kentucky excludes Ballard, Calloway, Carlisle, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Marshall and McCracken counties. Ohio excludes Crawford, Hancock, Lucas, Marion, Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, Wood and Wyandot counties. We serve all counties in Indiana and Tennessee.