4H Loans

4 H Loans_Flyer_2025

4-H Youth Loan Program Information

The 4-H Youth Loan Program provides financial support to 4-H members for the purchase of marketable livestock, including beef, swine, sheep, and goats. This program is designed to help young people develop responsibility, leadership, and hands-on experience through their livestock projects.

Program Highlights

  • Simple and Quick Application: The application process is straightforward and can be completed quickly.
  • Application Fee: A $25 application fee is required, which covers the cost of performing a credit check on the loan guarantor.
  • Repayment Terms: No repayment is required until October 15, 2025, and there is no interest during this period.
  • Interest Rate: After October 15, 2025, the loan will accrue interest at the Prime Rate + 2%.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the 4-H Youth Loan, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a member in good standing with a recognized 4-H club.
  • Have paid off any previous 4-H loans before receiving new funds.

Loan Limits

  • The maximum loan amount is $3,500.

Loan Security

  • A Promissory Note must be signed by both the applicant and their parent/guardian to secure the loan.

Loan Process

  1. Complete the Application: Both the applicant and their parent/guardian must fill out the application form.
  2. Provide ID: A copy of the parent/guardian’s photo ID is required.
  3. Club Leader Approval: The applicant’s club leader will review and confirm the project.
  4. Submit Application: Return the completed application to the CFDC office for review.
  5. Application Review: The application will be assessed, and a decision will be made to approve or decline the loan.
  6. Sign Loan Documentation: Once approved, the applicant and their parent/guardian will sign the loan documents.
  7. Disbursement of Funds: Loan funds will be transferred to the applicant’s bank account.
  8. Purchase Confirmation: After purchasing the livestock, the applicant must submit a copy of the bill of sale, paid invoice, or receipt.
  9. Follow-Up: A 6-month follow-up is required, including a site visit and photos, if requested.

Program Requirements

In addition to the loan application, the Groundbirch 4-H Multi-Club has established specific standards for participants in the 4-H Youth Loan Program. These requirements ensure that members are committed to their projects and uphold the values of 4-H.

  1. Attendance
  • Members are expected to attend 80% of all club activities and events throughout the 4-H year.
  1. Be a Role Model
  • Members should exemplify the 4-H motto of “Learn to do by doing” and encourage leadership and citizenship within the club.
  1. Submit a Project Plan
  • A Project Plan must be submitted with the loan application. This plan should include:
    • Where and what you will purchase (livestock type and price).
    • Your feeding plan, including feed sources and costs.
    • How you will manage your project on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
    • Your goals and end results for the project.
    • A projection outline and breakeven analysis for the project.
  1. Husbandry Checks
  • Members must complete two husbandry checks with knowledge of their project, including details like birthdate, breed, feeding schedule, and handling techniques.
  1. Record Keeping
  • Members are required to keep up-to-date record books, which must be reviewed every two months by the club leader. Neatness, accuracy, and organization are assessed during these check-ins.
  1. Project Management and Progress Updates
  • Members will be assessed on their management of the project and the completion of their projections. To ensure progress, members must send in three project updates (including photos and written progress reports) to both their leader and the 4-H Youth Loan institution prior to Achievement Day.

Call the office for more information 250 782 8748