A small school in western Nebraska is making the dreams of ranchers a reality with the new 100-Cow Program. The 100-Cow program would-be ranchers low-interest, government loans up to $300,000 once they complete a ranch management course.
The course teaches students the best way to raise livestock, how to run a successful ranch business and how to complete a business plan to present to the U.S. Agriculture Department’s Farm Service Agency.  Experts think this will be a successful program that will be a template for the rest of America.
New ranchers are excited about the program. “Not only have I been hoping for the past 15 years that I could own cattle of my own, I’m now seeing it becoming a real possibility,” said Richard Cool, a 35-year-old ranch hopeful enrolled in the program.
To the eye Nebraska ranches may seem to be disappearing due to high land prices, poor planning for future ranches, the allure of city lights and many other factors.  However, with proper education this problem can be fixed.
The number of ranches that raise cows are at an all time low in Nebraska, leading many people to great worries.  Not only does it hurt the image of Nebraska, but some are worried about our nation’s food supply as well.
The number of beef cows in the U.S. dropped to 41.8 billion. That number has not been so low since 1951.
“I am concerned,” said Andy Groseta, a third-generation Arizona rancher whose term as president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association just ended. “There’s not enough young people. It’s a dying industry. There will be a point where this country won’t be able to feed itself.”
To keep the 100-Cow Program going, participants will be required to yearly submit a business plan to the Farm Service Agency.
Farm Plus Financial works with government programs to help people get ranch loans for purchase, expansion or refinance purposes.  Rates are at historic lows.  If you are interested in starting in the cattle business and buying a ranch, contact a representative at Farm Plus today. For more information on ranch loans call 866-929-5585 or visit online.