Use down time from production activity to do the extensive home work that will be necessary to complete future loan applications. The application process requires a minimum of 90 to 120 days to get the loan guarantee in place. Expectations are that, due to the drought many more people will be applying and people less experienced in loan processing will be involved in reviewing application and will be rule-driven in their work. With these expectations in mind, the earlier you start the process the better job you will do. This information can help you put your challenges into perspective.
Some causes are within a producers control to change, once the danger signals are visible.
Others are more difficult or impossible to control. The more informed you are about financial stressors and characteristics of real trouble ahead, the more accurately you will be able to size up your situation and choose an appropriate course of action. Summary Living on a reduced income may be temporary or prolonged. Getting the most from family income during this time requires careful planning and wise spending decisions. A spending plan based on what you and your family consider to be most important can help you make spending decisions you can live with and reduce your stress.