Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) - Lending

MASC provides financial assistance to farmers in establishing, developing and operating agricultural enterprises in the Province of Manitoba. Emphasis is placed on the young, beginning farmer and farmers wanting to diversify or add value to their production.

Eligibility Criteria

• Individuals, Co-operatives, Partnerships, and Corporations who are involved in a farm enterprise.
• Must be 18 years or older.
• Must be a Manitoba resident and a Canadian citizen or fully admitted to Canada for permanent residence.
• The farm operation must be considered potentially viable and meet security requirements.
• Additional requirements may be applicable for specific programs.

Summary

MASC offers the following programs:

Direct Loans

• MASC Direct Loans offer competitive interest rates and flexible repayment schedules. These loans can be used for a variety of purposes including the purchase of and improvements to farm land/buildings, breeding and alternative livestock, and debt consolidation.

Stocker Loans 

• MASC Stocker Loans provide short term financing to help producers purchase feeder livestock, not intended for replacement purposes.

Environmental Enhancement Loans

• Loans are available to assist producers in modifying their current operations or management practices, to become more environmentally sustainable while maintaining a viable enterprise.

Alternate Energy Loans

• These loans assist projects such as smaller ethanol, biodiesel and wind operations, increasing the amount of processing agricultural products in Manitoba and encouraging environmental sustainable alternate energy sources.

Loan Guarantee Programs

Operating Credit Guarantees 

• MASC guarantees the lines of credit made to farmers by participating lending institutions to ensure the availability of reasonably priced credit.

Manitoba Livestock Associations Loan Guarantees 

• MASC assists in establishing livestock associations and enables them to borrow funds on the strength of an MASC guarantee to the participating lender to purchase feeder cattle and breeder cattle to enhance their livestock operations.

Diversification Loan Guarantees

• MASC guarantees loans made by participating lenders with producers interested in diversifying their current operations and/or adding value to commodities produced on the farm. Available to individuals, partnerships, corporations or cooperatives. Interest rates cannot exceed maximum levels established by MASC.

Rural Entrepreneur Assistance

• Businesses in rural Manitoba maybe eligible for a loan guarantee from MASC to assist with start up, expansion costs or the purchase of existing businesses.

Comprehensive Refinancing Loans

• Existing MASC clients that are having financial difficulties may qualify to get assistance through a Comprehensive Refinancing Loan.

Bridging Generations Initiative 

• The Bridging Generations Initiative assists in intergenerational farm transfers. The Bridging Generations Loan, Mortgage Guarantee provides flexibility with reasonable rates and terms for the young farmer while ensuring a guaranteed annual income for the retiring farmer. Additional program features include eligibility for the Young Farmer Rebate, Management Training Credit and a 90% financing or five years of interest only payment option.

To find a Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation Lending Representative near you, contact the Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre at 984-2272 or 1-800-665-2019 or visit the following website: http://www.masc.mb.ca/masc.nsf/contact.html.

Manitoba Contact(s):
Lending Corporate Office
Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation
Unit 100 - 1525 First Street S.
Brandon, Manitoba  R7A 7A1
Telephone: 204-726-6850
Fax: 204-726-6849
E-mail: brandon.lending@masc.mb.ca
Web site: http://www.masc.mb.ca/