WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today introduced the Beginning Agriculturist Lifetime Employment (BALE) Act. This legislation will help ensure that agricultural producers - especially those just getting started - have access to credit to expand or diversify their operations. It builds on a provision sponsored by Bost in the 2018 Farm Bill to increase caps on conservation, ownership, and operator loans through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s Guaranteed and Direct Loan Programs.
"Sky-high inflation and supply chain challenges have made it even more expensive for our Southern Illinois farmers to build their businesses, especially those just starting out," said Bost. "I was proud to lead this effort in the 2018 Farm Bill and will continue fighting to help ensure that the farmers who feed our nation can access the financing they need."