Contact:
Paul Zimmerman, Executive Director of Governmental Relations, 608.828.5708
MADISON – The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation welcomes proposed changes to agricultural production and loan guarantee programs administered by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority.
The proposed legislation authored by State Sen. Dale Schultz and State Rep. Lee Nerison is part of a Governor Scott Walker’s special session on jobs.
“The improvements called for in this legislation are needed to keep pace with the increased input costs that Wisconsin’s farm families face,” said Paul Zimmerman, Executive Director of Governmental Relations for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation. “This will also keep WHEDA a relevant financial resource for farm families to leverage growth in our state’s $59 billion agricultural sector.”
This legislation increases the maximum loan principal amount for which a borrower may receive an agricultural production loan guarantee from $100,000 to $150,000 and extends the term of an eligible guaranteed loan to 12 months.
“This allows farmers greater flexibility in obtaining financing to assist with purchasing crop inputs such as seed and fertilizer,” Zimmerman explained.
“Wisconsin Farm Bureau is very pleased to see the State of Wisconsin taking the steps that will help increase investment on our farms and rural communities,” Zimmerman said.
The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is the state’s largest general farm organization and represents farms of all sizes, commodities and management styles.
