Youth Ag Loan Program

Investing in the Next Generation of Agriculturalists

Agriculture has always been at the heart of our communities. From family farms to county fairs, many young people get their first taste of responsibility, entrepreneurship, and hard work through livestock projects.

We’re proud to support the next generation of agricultural leaders through our Youth Ag Loan Program.

Designed for 4-H and FFA members ages 8–18, this program helps young exhibitors gain real-world financial experience while preparing livestock projects for county, district, and state fairs.

Learning Beyond the Show Ring

While raising and showing animals teaches dedication and responsibility, our Youth Ag Loan Program adds another valuable component: financial education.

Participants gain hands-on experience with:

• Completing a credit application
• Learning how loans work
• Creating a project budget
• Managing expenses
• Understanding loan repayment
• Building the foundation for responsible credit

Program Details

The Youth Ag Loan Program provides financing for livestock projects that will be exhibited.

Loan limits include:
• Market Steer: $1,000 – $3,000
• Market Lamb or Hog: $500 – $1,000

Additional program guidelines include:

• At least 50% of loan proceeds must be used to purchase the animal or project equipment
• Loan terms do not exceed one year
• A parent or legal guardian serves as a co-borrower
• A project advisor (such as a 4-H leader, youth specialist, or FFA advisor) helps guide the project

While parents serve as co-borrowers, the goal is for the youth to take primary responsibility for the project and loan repayment, helping them learn accountability and financial responsibility early in life.

Supporting Agricultural Education

Agriculture programs like 4-H and FFA are about far more than ribbons and trophies. They build leadership, teach work ethic, and help young people understand the value of agriculture in our communities.

The Heritage Bank Youth Ag Loan Program is just one way we continue our commitment to Neighbors Serving Neighbors—and investing in the future of rural communities.

Apply

If you have a young exhibitor interested in participating, we would love to help them get started.

Contact one of our lenders to learn more:

Jase Glendenning
📞 (417) 228-9811
📧 jglendenning@heritagebankozarks.com

Jenny Bennett
📞 (417) 228-9801
📧 jbennett@heritagebankozarks.com

At Heritage Bank, we believe the future of agriculture starts with today’s youth and we’re proud to help them take their first steps.