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Growing Forward: Farm Loans, Financing & Education for Young and Beginning Farmers

The Growing Forward® program helps young and first-time farmers access financing, create a business plan, build financial skills and connect with resources to build a successful operation. Available to farmers 35 and younger or those with fewer than 10 years of farming experience.

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Young farmers learning how to build a successful agricultural operation

Growing Forward® at a Glance

Starting or growing a farm comes with unique challenges. Growing Forward® is a young farmer program designed to help beginning and first-time farmers access financing, build a strong business foundation, and connect with educational resources that support long-term success.

  • Access to beginning farmer loans and financing options
  • Support for young farmers and first-time agricultural producers
  • Business planning assistance and farm financial guidance seminars
  • Educational opportunities through Know to Grow® conferences
  • Eligibility for farmers age 35 and younger or those with fewer than 10 years of farming experience
  • One-on-one support from Farm Credit Mid-America financial officers
Whether you're purchasing land, financing equipment, expanding a livestock operation, or purchasing inputs for your first year, Growing Forward® provides the tools, education and support to help you move forward with confidence.

 

What is the Growing Forward® Program?

Growing Forward® is Farm Credit Mid-America's young farmer program designed for beginning and first-time farmers age 35 and younger or those with fewer than 10 years of farming experience. The program combines beginning farmer loans, first-time farmer financing, business planning assistance and financial education to help farmers start, grow and strengthen their operations.

Starting a farm can require significant investment in land, equipment, livestock, and operating expenses. Growing Forward® helps address these challenges by connecting participants with agricultural lending expertise, financing opportunities and personalized support from Farm Credit Mid-America financial officers.

Participants also gain access to Know to Grow® educational events, helping them build financial knowledge, develop a business plan, and connect with industry experts and fellow producers. Whether you're purchasing your first acres or looking for farm operational financing, Growing Forward® provides the resources and guidance to help build a successful future in agriculture.

Beginning Farmer Loan Options

Whether you're purchasing farmland, financing equipment, covering seasonal expenses or expanding your livestock herd, Growing Forward® helps young and beginning farmers explore financing solutions designed to support long-term success.

Not sure which financing option is right for you?

Whether you're looking to purchase farmland, finance equipment, expand a livestock herd or cover seasonal input costs, our team can help you explore options that fit your goals. Reach out to one of our teams to get started. 

Who Qualifies as a Young or Beginning Farmer?

A beginning farmer is generally someone who has less than 10 years of farming experience, while a young farmer is generally someone who is 35 years old or younger. Through Growing Forward®, eligible farmers gain access to financing opportunities, business planning resources and financial education designed to help build a successful operation. 

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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farmer standing inside newly constructed hog barn financed by Farm Credit Mid-America

Could You Be Our Next Forward Thinker?

The Forward Thinker Award recognizes Growing Forward participants who are leading with innovation, setting ambitious goals, and shaping the future of agriculture. Apply for a chance to earn recognition and a $5,000 award.

Learn More & Apply

Create a Farm Business Plan

A strong business plan is an important step in preparing for financing and building a successful operation. Lenders use business plans to better understand your goals, evaluate your operation, and assess your ability to manage financial responsibilities and future growth. A clear plan can help identify opportunities, manage risk, and create a roadmap for long-term success.

As part of Growing Forward®, participants work with Farm Credit Mid-America financial officers to develop a business plan that aligns with their operation and goals. Whether you're purchasing farmland, expanding a livestock operation or seeking financing for equipment or operating expenses, you'll have access to guidance and resources throughout the planning process.

To help you get started, we've provided business plan templates designed specifically for beginning farmers.

Looking to strengthen your farm financial knowledge?

Explore our resources on farm balance sheets, cash flow management and farm business planning in our Knowledge Hub.

Young Farmers Share Their Growing Forward Experience

See how young and beginning farmers are using Growing Forward® financing, education and business planning resources to build successful operations across our territory.

Ready to Take the Next Step? 

Whether you're buying your first farm, financing equipment, developing a business plan or growing an existing operation, Growing Forward® can help you move forward with confidence.

Get Started

Please answer the following question.

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

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Beginning Farmer Loans and Financing

Questions About Beginning Farmers 

Questions About Growing Forward® 

Questions About Loans for Young and Beginning Farmers

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

* Loans and leases are subject to credit approval and eligibility. 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. 

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© 2026 Farm Credit Mid-America. All rights reserved. Farm Credit Mid-America is an equal opportunity lender.