As Ohio farmers plan for the upcoming growing season, many are facing hardships and financial strain caused by this year’s drought.

To lessen these burdens, the Ohio Treasurer’s Office will offer an enhanced Ag-Link application window for counties most affected by the drought starting in January.

During the enhanced savings window, qualified farmers will benefit from the following program conditions:

Through Ag-Link, farmers, agribusinesses and co-ops can receive an interest rate reduction on new or existing operating loans. For nearly 40 years, the program has helped Ohio’s agriculture community to finance the upfront costs for feed, seed, fertilizer, fuel, equipment and other expenses.

The standard Ag-Link program will remain available for farmers across Ohio in counties not designated as eligible for the enhanced window. Information regarding standard program loan caps and interest rate reductions for 2025 will be available in the coming weeks.

“The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association appreciates the announcement by the Ohio Treasurer’s Office of new Ag-Link opportunities,” says OCA President Mark Goecke of Allen County. “Cattle families in southern and eastern Ohio are continuing to struggle with managing their cow herds and preparing for winter hay shortages. These changes to the Ag-Link program show an understanding of Ohio’s beef industry and will make the program more helpful to those cattle producers who have experienced the greatest losses.”

For more details on the Ag-Link program and instructions on how to get started, visit tos.ohio.gov/ag-link.

Source: Ohio Treasurer’s Office