AFBF Appreciates USDA Reforms to Loan Process

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on USDA’s proposed changes to the Farm Service Agency’s Farm Loan Programs meant to increase availability of loans for new and beginning farmers.

“The changes announced today by USDA’s Farm Service Agency follow a conversation American Farm Bureau recently held with FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux about the importance of USDA loans to our nation’s young, new and beginning farmers and ranchers.

“Administrator Ducheneaux and his team have taken a good, hard look at their lending programs and are putting forth common-sense changes that provide much-needed flexibility, and – hopefully – can ease some of the significant stress farm families experience in a difficult economy, like what we are experiencing now.

“American Farm Bureau welcomes the concept of USDA’s changes, and we look forward to diving into the details of the rule. We will, certainly, provide feedback to the agency on what adjustments, if any, are necessary to make sure farm and ranch families can continue farming.”