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Compeer Groundbreakers program lends support to new and beginning farmers

A Midwest farm credit cooperative is supporting new and beginning farmers with financial and outreach services.

CEO Jase Wagner says the Compeer Financial Groundbreakers program helps young producers face unique challenges.

“Young, beginning, and small farmers in all sizes and shapes are part of our mission, and in order to really live out the long-term legacy that we’re trying to have, we’ve been around for 110 years (and) want to be around for a lot longer, we need young and beginning farmers and to support them and help them be the next generation.”

Compeer’s Groundbreakers program provides access to credit, as well as tools that include a variety of beginning farmer loans.

He tells Brownfield there are many hurdles for new and beginning farmers.

“Financially is the biggest hurdle, and oftentimes the hardest one. But even if you have a certain amount of money pocketed away, finding access land, finding the equipment you need, and really finding the expertise that you need (can be challenging).”

Wagner says Compeer has partnered with USDA’s Farm Service Agency to help connect new and beginning farmers to farm operating loans, conservation loans, and loans for social disadvantaged farmers.