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Golden State Farm Credit

Youth Lending Program

At Golden State Farm Credit, we believe in supporting the next generation of agriculture leaders, and we do that by offering a youth lending program that helps 4-H, FFA, Grange and Independent students with their junior livestock projects. We are excited to offer an interest-free Youth Lending Program to any junior livestock exhibitor who resides in one of the counties we serve: Butte, Fresno, Glenn, Kings, Shasta, Tehama, Trinity, and Tulare.

If you are interested in our youth lending program for 2026, we will have the updated application available on September 25th. 

Click here to view the Youth Lending Flyer.

Click here for application Youth Loan Application.

Program includes

  • Interest-free financing for youth livestock projects for qualifying students within project limits
  • Easy application process
  • Educational information that discusses finances and budgeting

Who is Eligible?

  • Any 4-H, FFA, Grange or Independent student who is nine years of age or older as of the beginning of the fair year
  • Must demonstrate a C average or better in school
  • Must reside in one of the GSFC counties we serve

Program Guidelines

  • Funds may be used to purchase and care for a project animal
  • Each student must keep accurate records available for GSFC to review  
  • Funds must be repaid at the end of the project or when the animal is sold
  • Funds are available for one project per year, per student

Application Process

  • Online fillable pdf form must be completed and delivered to one of the GSFC offices.  For office locations, please visit: www.goldenstatefarmcredit.com/contact
  • A parent/co-sponsor are required to sign application and agreement
  • Submit completed application no later than 60 days prior to the applicable sale date or fair

Project Information

BEEF    Market Steer ($2,500 Maximum)
BEEF    Replacement Heifer ($2,500 Maximum)
DAIRY    Replacement Heifer ($2,500 Maximum)
GOAT    Market Goat ($1,000 Maximum)
SHEEP    Market Lamb ($1,000 Maximum)
SWINE    Market Hog ($1,000 Maximum)
Restrictions apply to this program; applications should be submitted early to qualify for funding.

Contact
For more information on the Youth Lending Program, contact Kris Costa at 559-584-5401 or info@gsfarmcredit.com.