South Dakota Ag Secretary Urges Use of Farm Loan Programs

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - State Agriculture Secretary Walt Bones says farmers and ranchers should consider taking advantage of state financial programs that lower the cost of borrowing money.

The South Dakota Agriculture Department's financial programs work with commercial lenders to provide farmers, ranchers and agricultural businesses with lower interest rates. Programs are available for livestock purchases, facility expansions, grain storage and other projects.

Bones says the financial programs can help with livestock development projects. He says the loans can be used to diversify farming operations or allow sons or daughters to return to the family farm.

Agriculture Department staff will be available to discuss the financial programs at the upcoming Annual Pork Congress in Sioux Falls and the Black Hills Stock Show in Rapid City.

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