Ohio Treasurer to Offer Enhanced Ag-LINK Savings for Farmers Impacted by Avian Influenza

COLUMBUS – Many poultry farmers in western Ohio are facing hardships and financial strain caused by a recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as “bird flu”. In an effort to lessen the burdens caused by these conditions, the Ohio Treasurer’s office will be offering an enhanced Ag-LINK application window for commercial poultry farmers in counties affected by the outbreak.

"The recent outbreak of avian influenza has placed an enormous strain on the poultry farming community,” said Treasurer Sprague. “In an effort to help offset these challenges, our office will be offering an enhanced Ag-LINK window to poultry farmers in counties with confirmed cases of HPAI."

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.

At the start of March 2025, the Treasurer’s office will offer an application window, running through at least the end of April 2025, with enhanced Ag-LINK loan conditions for poultry farmers in the counties affected by the avian influenza outbreak.

“The Ohio Department of Agriculture recognizes the significant impact to agricultural communities as Ohio is experiencing the largest bird flu outbreak to date,” said ODA Director Brian Baldridge. “We encourage farmers to explore any additional resources available to help support them through challenging times.”

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

·       An increased loan cap of up to $750,000

·       An enhanced interest rate reduction

·       An extended loan period of up to two years

“The Ohio Poultry Association thanks Treasurer Sprague for recognizing the need created by HPAI and providing this opportunity for financial assistance,” said Jim Chakeres, Executive Vice President of the Ohio Poultry Association. “This is a difficult time for affected poultry farmers and this assistance will help these farms in the recovery and restocking process.”

The standard Ag-LINK program will remain available for farmers across Ohio in counties not designated as eligible for the enhanced window. Similar enhanced conditions are also available for farmers in counties most affected by last year’s drought.

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

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