A Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE) is one aspect in which many FFA members participate. However, participation may require additional funds, and the Farm Service Agency (FSA) can help.
Loans are available through the FSA to individual rural youths who are 10-20 years of age to establish and operate income producing projects of modest size in conjunction with their participation in FFA, 4-H and any other youth organizations. Each project must be planned and operated with the help of the organization advisor, produce sufficient income to repay the loan and provide the youth with practical business and educational experience.
To be eligible for an FSA youth loan, you must:
- Be a citizen of the United States or a legal resident alien, which includes Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
- Be 10 years old and less than 21 years of age.
- Live in the open country or in a town of less than 50,000 people.
- Be unable to get a loan from other sources.
- Conduct a modest income producing project in a supervised program of work as outlined above.
- Demonstrate capability of planning, managing, and operating the project under guidance and assistance from a project advisor. The project supervisor must recommend the project and the loan along with providing adequate supervision.
Loans can be used to purchase animals, equipment and supplies, as well as to pay rent or repair equipment. In addition, the loans can be used to pay for operating expenses for running the SAE.
Income producing projects that qualify for loans include cow/calf operations, sheep or goat operations and crop production.
For further information regarding the FSA loans (interest rates, terms, loan limits, etc), contact Richard Young or Michelle Kayga at the Farm Service Agency in Anson, Texas. (325) 823.3269, extension 3.