Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton has signed legislation authorizing $35 million in funding for the State’s Rural Finance Authority program. State Farmers Union President Gary Wertish says the RFA is a critical tool for farmers needing loan restructuring who are struggling with a depressed ag economy. He says it also helps those just starting to farm.

He says the Rural Finance Authority is well operated and has run without a problem for close to 25 years.

Wertish says funding for the RFA was depleted at the end of 2016. However, the demand is high for the program’s services, so the legislation is welcome news for the state’s farmers and ranchers.

In addition to helping farmers secure financing, the Rural Finance Authority also offers a variety of other programs to assist the state’s farm families and communities. For more information on the RFA go to the Minnesota Agriculture Department’s website.