This reminder is provided to hay, grain, fruit and vegetable producers that FSA offers loans to construct storage structures.

The Farm Stored Facility Loan (FSFL) program will provide loan proceeds to build grain bins, silos, fruit and vegetable cold storage and hay storage structures.

Although it may 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 that are considering a hay storage structure will need to obtain a quote on the proposed structure and notify 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:

• 1.875 percent interest for 7-year loans approved in September

• 15 percent down payment required

• 7-, 10- or 12-year term based on loan amount

• Annual or monthly installments

• Must show repayment ability

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

• $100 non-refundable application fee

• Crop insurance

• All-peril structural insurance.

Cold storage structures for fruits and vegetables may vary from these rules.

Contact Luke Fritz at the Farm Service Agency at 724-482-4800, Ext. 2, for more information.

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