Let’s face it, you’re busy. you’ve got a lot to do to keep your operation moving forward. Whether you’re a grain or a livestock producer, you are constantly working year-round to keep your operation profitable. Now, we all know that many farms need some kind of loan to keep operating every year. Whether it is a line of credit, disaster relief, or even equipment upgrades, you don’t want to have to spend a lot of time jumping through hoops to keep your operation running.
When we talk about jumping through hoops, we’re obviously talking about a lengthy loan application process. They’re not fun to begin with. But having to fill out 29 pages for a loan is downright ludicrous. But of course, it wouldn’t be our government without a mountain of paperwork. While FSA loans are needed and appreciated by America’s farmers, the thought of having to fill out 29 pages is nerve-wracking to say the least and infuriating to say the most.
The United States Department of Agriculture is aware of this situation and is looking at steps to streamline the process and make it a lot less burdensome. USDA Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux says he would like to see changes to the federal farm loan system.
Ducheneaux says they are working to bring change in several ways. He says that Ag secretary Tom Vilsack is wanting to see these changes implemented sooner rather than later.
Ducheneaux adds that they realize at USDA that 29 pages of application paperwork is insane. He says that while farmers are frustrated, they should not be taking out this frustration on the county employees. The county employees are not the ones that have implemented this insane amount of paperwork. It’s just their job to help you get through it. He says that they’re hoping to get the loan application process cut down by more than half.
