Step 1. Determine Eligibility
If you are interested in applying for a Low Interest Loan, the first step in the process is to contact Katie Evans at the Benton SWCD office. If the practice will improve water quality, and is listed as an eligible practice, you may be eligible for a Low Interest Loan.

The Benton SWCD Board of Supervisors will decide to approve the practice that is being applied for at their regular Board Meetings.

There is a non-refundable $30.00 Application Fee due to the Benton SWCD at the time the Low Interest Loan Application practice is approved.

Step 2. Applying for the Loan
Once the SWCD has determined that your practice is eligible for a loan, your next step is to meet with a loan officer at the financial institution of your choice from the list below. The loan officer will determine whether or not you qualify for a loan.

Frandsen Bank & Trust of Foley

AgStar Financial of Waite Park

Wells Fargo of St. Cloud

Falcon National of Foley & St. Cloud

Pine Country Bank of Royalton

Central MN - Federal Credit Union

Step 3. Repayment Terms
The repayment of the loan varies from 2 to 10 years, depending on the practice that is being installed.

If you are interested in applying for a Low Interest Loan, please contact office (320) 968-5300 Ext. 3.
Ag BMP Low Interest Loan Program

The Agricultural Best Management Practice (Ag BMP) Low Interest Loan Program is available for practices of which the primary purpose is to prevent or reduce water pollution. There is a maximum of $100,000 in Low Interest Loans per project and per individual. Low Interest Loans are only available to rural landowners.

Loans are for 3% interest plus a 1% origination fee.

Financial institutions that have partnered with the Benton SWCD to administer this program are listed to the left, they are Frandsen Bank & Trust of Foley, AgStar Financial Services of Waite Park, Wells Fargo of St. Cloud, Falcon National Bank of Foley and St. Cloud, and Pine Country Bank of Royalton.
  • ELIGIBLE Practices for Low Interest Loans

    Animal Waste Storage Facilities (manure pits)

    Conservation Tillage Equipment (capable of leaving a minimum of 30% residue)

    Manure Application Equipment (capable of immediate incorporation), including poultry manure spreaders

    Septic Systems - to replace a failing system

    Installation of Runoff Controls to prevent fertilizers and/or chemicals from polluting surface and ground waters

    Installation of Vegetative Buffers along lakes, rivers, ditches, and wetlands



  • INELIGIBLE Practices for Low Interest Loans

    No Vehicles

    No Tractors (unless there is a direct water quality benefit)

    No Ag Waste projects for farms > 1,000 Animal Units

    No Ag Waste projects for farms with a NPDES Permit

    No new construction

    No building components not related to water quality (lights, side walls, driveways)

    No cost related to expansion

    No wells (unless for rotational grazing practices, sealings - if enhances water quality)