Agriculture Resource Development Loan
On July 1, 1983, the Utah Department of Agriculture expanded its Rangeland Development program to include cropland, watershed, and energy conservation practices. This expanded program is known as the Agriculture Resource Development Loan program or ‘ARDL’.
By providing low interest rate loans to qualifying farmers, ranchers, and irrigation companies, the ARDL Program supports a wide array of practices and projects aimed at conserving and improving agricultural resources in Utah, with objectives including conserving soil and water, increasing agricultural yields, improving water quality and wildlife habitat, and mitigating damages caused by natural disasters.
Farmers, Ranchers, and Irrigation Companies are eligible. Please consult with a Resource Coordinator or program staff member for detailed eligibility criteria and how to get started.
Types of eligible projects may include:
- Water management and irrigation projects
- Soil and land management practices
- Erosion and flood control
- Waste management practices
- Hydroponic and aquaponic systems
- Fodder systems
- Seasonal high-tunnels
- Crop storage structures
- Calving and lambing sheds
The program also provides financing for some upfront transaction costs related to agricultural conservation easements, and conservation-specific equipment. ARDL funds may be used as standalone loans for approved projects or in combination with grants and other funding sources, such as UDAF Water Optimization, NRCS EQIP, and other eligible programs.
Contact your local UDAF resource planner or coordinator to plan your project and start your application.
How to Apply
Per program policy, the Conservation Districts and the Utah Conservation Commission require a minimum of 90 days to process, approve and close a loan. We strongly suggest not to begin the project until the loan is fully approved and funded.
Plan Your Project and Begin Your Application
- Meet with your local UDAF Resource Coordinator or Planner.
- Fill out the appropriate application.
- Ensure all sections are completed accurately.
- Type or print clearly.
- Sign and date your application.
Conservation District Approval
- Your application, conservation plan, and project must first be approved by your local Conservation District.
- Your regional UDAF Resource Coordinator can assist you with this step.
UDAF Loan Department Review
- Once approved by the Conservation District, your Resource Coordinator will forward your application to the UDAF Loan Department.
- Your Resource Coordinator may provide a list of required documents.
- The Loan Department will also email you this information after receiving your application. Please check your email regularly and submit documents promptly.
- Submit documents and questions to: [email protected]
Loan Underwriting
- The Loan Department will review your application, income, collateral, and other necessary information to assess your repayment ability.
- If requirements are met, your loan proposal will be presented at the next Utah Conservation Commission (UCC) meeting.
Loan Approval and Closing
- Upon UCC approval, the Loan Department will prepare your closing documents.
- Loan funds are fully committed once collateral is secured and the loan agreement is signed by all parties and assigned an agreement number.
Receiving Loan Funds (Disbursement)
- After the loan agreement is finalized, you can submit invoices and supporting documentation to receive funds.
- You will work directly with the Loan Department on the specific requirements for each disbursement request.
Loan Repayment
- Make timely payments throughout your loan term.
- Payment Options:
- Online check payment
- Mail a check
- You may also set up recurring payments through your bank
- Contact the Loan Department with any payment questions.
- No prepayment penalty. Extra payments will be applied to your principal balance.