We believe some of our best investments are in young people. Every day, we see local youth work hard to build skills, set goals, and pursue opportunities that will shape the future of agriculture in our communities.
That is why we are proud to offer two unique programs designed specifically for young agricultural leaders. Whether a student is raising livestock through 4-H or FFA or pursuing their own agricultural business venture, these programs offer hands-on experience while building valuable financial and life skills.
We are in the third year of our Youth Ag Market Loan Program and have provided over 80 loans to help support these efforts while teaching valuable financial lessons along the way. Participants gain firsthand experience managing project costs and understanding the financial side of agriculture, building confidence and responsibility as they work toward their goals.
Agriculture continues to evolve, and many young people are exploring opportunities beyond traditional projects. Some are developing specialty products, agricultural services, niche livestock operations, or other innovative business ideas.
We created our Youth Ag Entrepreneurial Loan Program to support those ambitions. The program encourages participants to think like business owners by developing business plans, identifying target markets, setting goals, and learning how to manage finances effectively. It also provides opportunities to build confidence, leadership skills, and real-world business experience while expanding students' Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) in FFA.
The program is designed for young people ages 8–18 who are ready to take an agricultural project or idea to the next level. The program combines financing with real-world learning, giving young borrowers the chance to build experience in budgeting, credit, recordkeeping, money management, and loan repayment.
This program also surrounds young people with someone who can help them succeed. Applicants are encouraged to build a network of trusted adults, including agriculture teachers/FFA advisors, 4-H extension agents, employers, mentors, parents, and others who can offer guidance and accountability as their projects develop. Applicants complete an application, participate in an interview, and provide a reference letter from an adult familiar with them and their project. If the applicant is a minor, a qualified adult co-borrower is also required.
Loan amounts and terms are determined individually based on the needs and financial plan of each project, with terms not exceeding five years. Most importantly, while a parent or guardian may serve as co-borrower, the young borrower remains primarily responsible for repaying the project loan.
We love seeing the creativity and determination that young entrepreneurs bring to agriculture. Their passion and vision are helping shape the future of our industry, and we are honored to play a small role in helping them pursue their goals.
What makes these programs especially meaningful is the relationships built along the way. Success in agriculture is rarely achieved alone. Parents, teachers, FFA advisors, 4-H leaders, mentors, and community supporters all help young people reach their potential. Both programs emphasize the importance of that support network and encourage participants to work closely with trusted adults throughout their projects.
We view ourselves as part of that team. We enjoy celebrating successes, encouraging perseverance through challenges, and helping young people gain the financial knowledge needed to achieve their goals.
While the projects may be different, both programs share a common purpose: helping young people learn, grow, and succeed.
One participant may be preparing a market animal for the county fair. Another may be building a small agricultural business from the ground up. Both are developing skills that will serve them well for years to come. They are learning how to set goals, overcome challenges, make informed decisions, and take ownership of their future.
One of the most rewarding parts of these programs is walking alongside these young leaders as they pursue their ambitions. We enjoy learning about their projects, celebrating their accomplishments, and watching their confidence grow through experience.
Neighbors Serving Neighbors.
Supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Jase Glendenning
Vice President – Lending
(417) 228-9811
jglendenning@heritagebankozarks.com