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YBS Loans

For young, beginning, and small farmers and ranchers to get started.

Investing in the Future of Agriculture

Financing for young, beginning, and small farmers or ranchers provides vital support for the future of Texas and New Mexico’s proud agricultural industry. These tailored financial solutions help new and smaller-scale producers access the capital needed to purchase land, equipment, and livestock, or to cover operating costs. Financing is designed to reduce barriers for those starting or expanding their agricultural ventures and by offering specialized resources, it empowers the next generation of farmers and ranchers to establish and sustain successful operations, contributing to the future of agriculture.

What is a YBS Loan?

YBS loans provide financing to an individual or entity that qualifies in any one or more of the YBS (Young, Beginning, Small) categories. It requires borrowers to be actively involved in agricultural production with the intent to expand their operation and rely on the agricultural operation as their primary vocation.

  • Young Farmer — one who is 35 years of age or younger.
  • Beginning Farmer — one who has 10 years or fewer of farming or ranching experience.
  • Small Farmer — one who generates less than $350,000 in annual gross cash farm income of agricultural or aquatic products.

Customer-Owner Bryan Schneider and family posing for the cameraThe future of agriculture depends on the financial success of new farmers and ranchers, and the diversity of the agricultural products we enjoy hinges on the success, in part, on the success of small producers. Agricultural producers face significant challenges, including access to capital and credit, rising costs, urbanization, globalization; available resources such as land, water and labor; and competition from larger, more experienced farming operations.

However, YBS farmers and ranchers face even greater hurdles due to their lack of agricultural production history, inexperience, low capital position and/or limited credit history.

Our mission is crucial to enable these farmers and ranchers the ability to begin, grow, or remain in agricultural production and to transfer agricultural operations from the previous generation.

What We Offer

Experienced Staff

We understand the challenges of starting out in agriculture because many of our loan officers are farmers and ranchers too. Not only will we sit down with you and take the time to work out the best options available, we can recommend resources to help make the entire process easier.

AgFast Loan Programs

AgTrust Farm Credit uses a quick loan-scoring program (AgFast) that is designed specifically for smaller loans which generally meet the credit needs of a YBS customer. The process is streamlined, requiring less paperwork and allowing our staff to make quick decisions on loan approvals under $250,000. We strive to provide a 48-hour turnaround.

4-H and FFA Loan Programs

Our 4-H and FFA loan programs provide financing to young people who are involved in either 4-H or FFA livestock projects and need financing for the purchase of an animal and/or for feed expenses. Loans are subject to certain qualifications. AgTrust Farm Credit wants to provide the tools necessary to equip our future businessmen and businesswomen with the skills necessary to make sound financial decisions in their adult lives.

YBS Advisory Board

AgTrust Farm Credit has a YBS Advisory Board. The innovative ideas generated by this group of talented agriculturists help us meet the needs of the YBS demographic. New practices will continually be put into place to improve our financing and outreach for this group, making our loan programs both more economical and informative.

Start My Loan Today

Begin your loan application process with a few simple questions.

  1. Purpose & Personal Information

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Have Questions?
Let our experts guide you in your journey.