Loans | University of Maryland Extension

Updated: May 1, 2024

Understanding Credit And Credit Reports (FS-1115)

If you ever plan to take out a loan or you currently owe money to another party, you need to understand credit and credit reports. Credit is the ability of a borrower to receive something (often money) in exchange to return the money to the lender at a later point in time. For example, when you buy a car, a bank (lender) provides the money to you (borrower). In exchange, the lender charges you interest. The interest charged is determined by several factors based upon your credit report. Therefore, it is important for you to monitor your credit report. Let’s take a minute to provide greater insight on credit and credit reports. Author: Jesse Ketterman, and Patricia Maynard; Title: Understanding Credit and Credit Reports (FS-1115).

Updated: March 9, 2023

Chapter 2: Economic assessment and risk management

Chapter 2: Economic assessment and risk management is part of the online publication "From Surviving to Thriving: Strategies for Urban Farm Success. Most of the work of a farm is in producing and marketing crops and livestock. But will this effort be economically viable? And what are the economic risks? These are questions that all farm businesses must answer regardless of whether they are for-profit or not-for-profit. To stay in business, the farm must be economically sustainable. To measure economic viability, this chapter will focus on two economic measurements – profit and cash flow.

Puzzle pieces laying over a city building.

Updated: July 20, 2022

Review of Lender Requirements for Beginning Farmer Loan Programs (FS-975)

The Center for Agricultural and Natural Resource Policy and UME's Beginning Farmer Success program have developed a fact sheet to help beginning farmers understand the various credit sources available in the state of Maryland and the requirements associated with each credit source, such as USDA's Farm Service Agency, a Farm Credit lender, or MARBIDCO. Authors: Paul Goeringer and Jim Hanson; Title: Review of Lender Requirements for Beginning Farmer Loan Programs (FS-975)

Updated: March 24, 2021

Traditional Sources

Whether a new farmer/food entrepreneur, or an established operation, you’re probably going to need to finance some aspect of your business. There are various loan programs for farmers and food entrepreneurs. There are also some specific grant programs, but these are very specific and very competitive to obtain. Obtaining grants require a lot of work, often have delayed payments or require up-front investment, and are not a reliable source of income. This article provides guidance for evaluating if your needs qualify for the grant’s targeted outcomes and how best to apply for a grant.