Our Direct Seed Loan Program makes it easy for you to switch to direct seed and no-tillage operations as we offer low-interest loans to producers for major agricultural equipment purchases that:

• Aid in the direct placement of seed and/or fertilizers in one or two passes
• Aid in the removal or management of residue

To be eligible you must farm within the boundaries of one of the following conservation districts in eastern Washington: Adams, Asotin, Benton, Columbia, E. Klickitat, Foster Creek, Franklin, Grant, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pine Creek, Palouse, Palouse-Rock Lake, Pomeroy, S. Douglas, Snohomish (new!) Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman. There are also participating districts in Idaho which include: Benewah, Idaho County, Kootenai-Shoshone, and Latah.

• Improves soil tilth: a no-till system increases aggregation making it easier for plants to establish roots with minimized compaction.
• Reduces soil erosion: crop residues on the soil surface reduce the erosion caused by water and wind. Depending on the amount of residue present, soil erosion can be reduced by up to 90% compared to an unprotected, intensively tilled field.
• Improves water quality: crop residue helps hold soil along with associated nutrients (particularly phosphorous) and pesticides on the field to reduce runoff into surface water.
• Improves air quality: crop residue left on the surface improves air quality through reduced wind erosion. Air quality is also improved due to fewer emissions from equipment making fewer trips across the field.
• Moisture Savings: direct seeding buildings a protective mulch on the soil surface which reduces the impact of raindrops, buffers the soil from temperature extremes, and reduces soil moisture evaporation. More moisture gets into the soil and more moisture stays in the soil where crops can utilize it for increased productivity.