Mississippi Land Bank is committed to meeting the needs of Young, Beginning and Small farmers/ranchers. Our years of experience in rural lending provide the expertise needed to finance many people who fit into the YBS group. By utilizing our flexible loan terms, our New Generation Loan Program and working closely with other organizations and governmental agencies, we can tailor loans to fit the unique situations of YBS borrowers. In addition, we actively support other programs, events, scholarships and educational activities that benefit YBS farmers/ranchers.

DEFINITIONS OF YOUNG, BEGINNING & SMALL FARMERS

• Young farmer – a farmer, rancher, or producer or harvester of aquatic products who is age 35 or younger as of the loan transaction date.
• Beginning farmer – a farmer, rancher, or producer or harvester of aquatic products who has 10 years or less farming, ranching or aquatic experience as of the loan transaction date.
• Small farmer – a farmer, rancher, or producer of aquatic products who normally generates less than $250,000 in annual gross sales of agricultural or aquatic products.

NEW GENERATION LOAN PROGRAM
Through our New Generation Loan Program, we provide competitive financing for young, beginning and small farmers to the full extent of their creditworthiness. This loan program offers reduced loan closing costs and underwriting standards for the purchase or refinancing of land.

Eligibility
Borrowers under this program may be eligible for all the loan services described under the “Loans” tab on this site. Please review the loan types offered. We believe that you will find the type of financing that will help you meet your goals as a young, beginning, or small farmer. Eligible borrowers must fit the descriptions of a young, beginning, or small farmer and must be the sole owner or operator of the farming operation. Some prior agricultural production experience is required.

Loan Size
Without a government guarantee, a borrower may finance up to $250,000. With a guarantee, the maximum loan amount is $500,000. To help borrowers obtain additional down payment toward a purchase, we give consideration to joint financing.