Montana Junior Agriculture Loan Program
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What is Montana Junior Agriculture Loan Program?
The Montana Department of Agriculture runs the Junior Agriculture Loan Program to give young Montanans a real financial stake in agriculture not just experience, but actual equity. If your son or daughter is working a livestock or crop project through 4-H, FFA, or another recognized ag organization, this program can cover up to 90% of their first-year costs at a low interest rate, with up to five years to pay it back.
Key Facts
Program: Montana Junior Agriculture Loan Program.
Agency: Montana Department of Agriculture
Amount: Up to $3,500 for ages 9–11; up to $8,500 for ages 12–21.
Deadline: Not currently specified. Contact the Montana Department of Agriculture for current cycle information.
Eligibility: Montana residents ages 9–21 who are active members of FFA, 4-H, or another recognized agricultural youth organization (or are unable to participate in such organizations). Parent or guardian cooperation and adequate project facilities are required.
Who Is Eligible
Montana residents between ages 9 and 21.
Active members of Montana FFA, Montana 4-H, or another recognized agricultural youth organization or applicants who are unable to join such an organization.
Parent or guardian must cooperate with the project and have adequate facilities to support it.
What It Covers
The program is designed for crop, livestock, and other agricultural projects. Key terms:
Covers up to 90% of first-year project costs.
Repayment period of one to five years.
Low interest rate set by the Montana Department of Agriculture.
Projects must be connected to an FFA, 4-H, or other recognized youth ag organization, or the applicant must demonstrate they are unable to participate in such programs.
How To Apply For Montana Junior Agriculture Loan Program?
Review the Loan Terms and Application Information to understand program requirements and interest rates.
Download and complete the Junior Agriculture Application Form.
Have your parent or guardian review and sign where required.
Submit to the Montana Department of Agriculture as directed in the application materials.
Need Help Planning Your Next Ranch Upgrade?
If you’re applying for Montana Junior Agriculture Loan Program and looking at cattle handling equipment, livestock flow improvements, or ranch infrastructure upgrades, Arrowquip can help you plan the right next step for your operation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If they're between ages 9 and 11, the maximum loan is $3,500. For ages 12 through 21, the maximum goes up to $8,500. In both cases, the loan can cover up to 90% of first-year project costs.
They need to be an active member of FFA, 4-H, or another recognized agricultural youth organization. If they're genuinely unable to participate in such an organization, the program may still accept their application — review the loan terms or contact the Montana Department of Agriculture to confirm.
Possibly, but it's not guaranteed. The program covers livestock projects and up to 90% of first-year project costs, which may include certain handling or facility expenses. However, the program does not explicitly name equipment like chutes or fencing as eligible. Confirm your specific planned purchases with the program administrator before buying anything.
Repayment terms run from one to five years, depending on the project and loan amount. The specific terms will be laid out in the loan agreement.
Parents or guardians are required to cooperate with the project and must have adequate facilities to support it. They will also need to sign the application. The program is structured so adults are involved, it's not a solo application for a minor.
No specific deadline is currently published. Contact the Montana Department of Agriculture or your local MSU Extension Service office to find out when the current application cycle opens and closes.
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