Provides direct and guaranteed loans to beginning farmers and ranchers who are unable to obtain financing from commercial credit sources. Application for Direct Loan assistance may be made at FSA county office where farming operation will be located. For Guaranteed Loans, applicants must apply to commercial lender who participates in the Guaranteed Loan Program. Contact state office above for referral to local/regional office. Loan amounts range from $ 0 – $200,000 for Direct Loans and $0 – $717,000 for Guaranteed Loans (amount varies annually based on Applicant must not have owned/operated a farm or ranch for 10 years. Must substantially participate in the farm operation. Contact Farm Service Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250; 202-720-7807; {www.fsa.usda.gov}.