Low Interest Loan Program (Ag BMP)

Nicollet County receives funding through the Department of Agriculture for low interest loans for rural landowners.  This is one of the implementation programs of the Nicollet County Water Plan.  These loans are intended to help rural landowners make improvements necessary to protect water quality from non-point source pollution, or pollution that comes from run-off rather than one specific source.

Who is eligible?  Farmers, individual rural landowners and agribusinesses.

What practices are eligible?  Animal waste control systems, structural conservation practices such as waterways and terraces, manure handling and conservation tillage equipment.

What will the interest rate be?   

The maximum interest rate is 3%.  The lender may charge customary fees.

e maximum interest rate is 3%.  The lender may charge customary fees.

What is the length of the loans?  It depends on the practice and circumstances, but what is normally followed is:

Animal Waste Facilities     10 years

Equipment                            5 years

Who is the lender for this loan program?

            United Prairie Bank New Ulm

            AgStar Mankato

            Nicollet County Bank of St Peter

            Citizens Bank Minnesota Lafayette

Other lenders may be added if they are interested in participating.

How do I apply for a loan?  Potential borrowers should contact the Nicollet County Environmental Services staff for an application.  The Environmental Services then will evaluate and certify if the proposed project is eligible before you contact the lender.

Environmental Services Department

Nicollet County Government Center

501 South Minnesota Ave

St. Peter, MN 56082

(507)-934-0250