Young, Beginning & Small Farmer Grant Program (Horizon Farm Credit)

New for 2026, Farm Credit is proud to introduce the Young, Beginning, and Small Farmer Grant Program — an investment in the future of agriculture and the rural communities we serve. As a cooperative, we’re committed to supporting the next generation of farmers while recognizing the important role of small farm operations. This program is designed for farmers who are getting started, building momentum, or making improvements to move their farm business forward.

This year, we will award ten $20,000 grants to support meaningful, on-farm needs and business growth across our territory. Deadline to apply is August 21, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

Learn more or get started at: https://www.horizonfc.com/ybs

Who is eligible for the Young, Beginning, and Small Farmer Grant Program?

Applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Young Farmers: Between 18-35 years of age, or
• Beginning Farmers: 10 years or less of reported Schedule F income, or
• Small Farmers: Less than $350,000 in annual gross cash farm income

All applicants must also meet the following requirements:

• Applicants must reside within Horizon Farm Credit’s territory
• Applicants may be full-time or part-time farmers.
• Both current and non-Farm Credit customers are eligible to apply. You do not need to be a Farm Credit customer.
• Applications may be submitted individually or with a business partner.
• Applicants are eligible for only one Horizon Farm Credit cash award. Previous JumpStart and Farmers on the Rise winners are not eligible to apply.
• Officers, Directors, and employees of the sponsor, Horizon Farm Credit, and their subsidiaries, affiliates, agents, press/media representatives, and the immediate family members of these entities are not eligible to enter.