The Farm Service Agency would like to remind hay, grain, fruit and vegetable producers that it offers loans to help construct storage structures.

The Farm Stored Facility Loan program provides assistance to build grain bins, silos, fruit and vegetable cold storage, and hay storage structures. Although it might be too late for a silo loan, there is still time to construct a grain bin, replace a dryer or build a hay storage barn this fall.

Producers who are considering a hay storage structure will need to obtain a quote on the proposed structure and notify the FSA how much existing hay storage is available on the farm at the time the application is filed. All structures must have at least a 15-year life span. Most "cover-all" type structures are eligible.

Producers also will need to decide the extent of excavation, electrical or concrete work that will be needed. All costs can then be computed to the loan amount.

Some of the details are as follows:

• Seven-year loans approved in September have a 2.25 percent interest rate.

• A 15 percent down payment is required.

• There are seven-, 10- or 12-year terms, based on loan amount.

• There are annual or monthly installments.

• Participants must show repayment ability.

• Structures must have a minimum life span of 15 years.

• There is a $100 nonrefundable application fee.

• Crop insurance.

• All-peril structural insurance.

Cold storage structures for fruits and vegetables vary. Contact the Farm Service Agency for more information at 724-482-4800, Ext. 2.

Luke Fritz is executive director of the Butler County Farm Service Agency.