In this episode of "AgCredit Said It," guest host Kendra Heffelfinger leads a discussion with members of the Young Beginning and Small Farmer advisory group from Ag Credit, including Zach Maag, Cora Willeke, and Brent Orians. The focus is on the importance of supporting young, beginning, and small farmers (YBS) as the next generation in the farming industry. The panel discusses various programs and partnerships that AgCredit offers to assist YBS farmers, such as collaboration with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) for down payment and participation loans, and the AgStart program which provides tailored financial solutions. They also highlight the Ohio Ag Link program, which helps reduce interest rates on operating loans, and other opportunities like grain facility loans and EQUIP programs. The conversation emphasizes the role of AgCredit in providing not just financial support but also educational resources and networking opportunities, such as the Emerge conference, to help farmers plan for succession and improve their operations. The episode concludes with a discussion on the challenges faced by YBS farmers, including land accessibility and rising input costs, and how AgCredit aims to be a solution-driven partner through these challenges.

Show Notes: https://www.agcredit.net/news/episode-88-empowering-next-generation-through-ybs

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