Keystone Today

More than $2.8 million in tax-exempt, low-interest financing has been awarded to five farms in Lancaster and Chester counties through the Next Generation Farmer Loan Program, which assists farmers in purchasing their farms.

The program gives young or beginning farmers access to funds so they can buy farmland or equipment, a recent press release on Gov. Tom Wolf's office website said. It will lower interest rates and increase profits at the farm through what is described as a "unique state-federal-private industry partnership." The farmers receiving the funds have been either running or managing farms or parts of farms already. Some of the recipients are buying their properties from family members.

"Pennsylvania's economy is strong and growing," Wolf said in the release. "Seven years of sound fiscal management and prudent investments in building our agriculture infrastructure and capacity help our farmers continue feeding our economy and our families. We've seen farm profits and production rise over the past year and are committed to feeding that momentum by raising a new generation of farmers and supporting the growth of the Pennsylvania farms we're so proud of."

Leon K. and Linda S. King of Honeybrooke Township in Chester County received $575,000 to finance purchasing a 106.5-acre dairy farm from Leon's parents, the release said. The couple currently manage the property.

Gideon B. and Mary S. Esh of Sadsbury Township in Lancaster County received $558,000 to buy a 65-acre dairy farm they have rented for seven years, the release said. They raise corn and alfalfa for feed.

Joseph E. and Rachel S. Lapp of Little Britain Township in Lancaster County received $555,000 to fund purchasing a 67.7-acre farm owned by Jacob's parents. They have been renting and farming the property for a decade and raise beef cattle, alfalfa and corn. 

Andrew T. and Jaylene K. Brinton of Fulton Township in Lancaster County received $558,000 to buy two farms amounting to 306 acres from Andrew's parents. The Brintons have been running a poultry layer house and hog barn at one of the properties for more than a decade. They also grow corn, hay and beans.

Christ G. and Sarah K. Fisher of Paradise Township in Lancaster County received $558,000 to buy a dairy farm owned by Christ's parents, the release said. The couple has operated the farm for nine years, raising hogs and growing corn, hay and alfalfa for feed.

Agriculture in Pennsylvania pumps $132.5 billion into the state's economy each year, the release said. It also supplies more than 593,000 jobs across the state. Since 2019, the state has invested more than $50 million for sustaining the industry's growth through the PA Farm Bill, the only program of its kind in the U.S.

Wolf's proposed budget for 2022-23 includes an additional $13.6 million in PA Farm Bill loans, initiatives and programs, the release said. It also includes funding for the Ag Business Development Center, which will be used for farm transition planning, business planning, diversification and marketing.

"Profitability is at the core of any business plan," Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said in the release. "A farm is a business without walls—one that needs access to capital and to seed and feed their growth, just like any other business. Next Generation Farmer loans are just one tool in a comprehensive package of economic resources from the state and our federal and local partners to help grow profits and feed our family farms' future success."