Farmers and ranchers in the Lone Star State can benefit from the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority (TAFA). TAFA, which was established in 1987 and housed under the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), provides financial assistance to farmers and ranchers to expand, develop or diversify operations. “The intent is to foster and help grow and spread Texas agriculture,” John Paul Dineen III, Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) District 4 state director and TAFA chair, said. “There are programs for interest rate reduction, loan guarantees and young farmer opportunities.” A matching grant program, the Young Farmer Grant Program, is available to farmers and ranchers ages 18 ...