News

Michigan young farmer says starter loans helped establish his farm

A young farmer says loans meant to help beginning farmers through USDA were critical for him to start out.

Nearly ten years ago Rich Baker asked the question if his father and grandfather would sell him the farm.

“And the truck just went quiet, we didn’t talk for 15-20 miles, but he eventually said it was good idea.”

While he was originally approved for a Young Farmer Start-Up loan, Baker said it was not a seamless process.

“The Farm Service Agency ran out of money for my operating and equipment loan.”

In the 11th hour after transiting to other sources and reorganizing his expenses in the middle of needing to start planting, the FSA finally came through.

“And the first check I wrote was to my father and grandfather for the business.”

Baker placed third this week in the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award.  

“One of the biggest goals I’ve got is to make sure we succeed; this has been the toughest year by far for me.”

Baker grows corn, soybeans, custom strays, and contract raises finishing hogs for area farmers in Southwest Michigan.

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published.


 

Stay Up to Date

Subscribe for our newsletter today and receive relevant news straight to your inbox!