# MT- LAND AND CATTLE LLC
# Complete Funding Submission Package
**Prepared by CHELCIE | August 24, 2026**
**Producer ID: PRD-98UVZC | EIN: 41-3604243**

---

## EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

MT- LAND AND CATTLE LLC is a beginning-farmer cow/calf operation (142 head, 880 acres, Osage County, KS) formed in 2025. The operation is seeking $500K–$1M in capital to purchase additional land, expand the herd, and build out infrastructure. They have streams/wetlands on property, no current NRCS conservation plan, and explicitly need rotational grazing infrastructure.

**Critical advantage: As an LLC formed in 2025, they qualify as a Beginning Farmer/Rancher across all USDA programs — unlocking 90% cost share, priority ranking, advance payments, and preferred loan rates.**

**Total estimated funding available across all programs: $600K–$1.4M**

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## PROGRAM PORTFOLIO AT A GLANCE

| Program | Agency | Type | Est. Value | Deadline | Status |
|---------|--------|------|-----------|----------|--------|
| **EQIP** | NRCS | Grant/Cost-share | $128K–$255K | FY2027 cycle (fall 2026) | ⚡ Apply now |
| **CSP** | NRCS | Annual payments | $40K–$125K over 5 yrs | FY2027 cycle (fall 2026) | ⚡ Apply same NRCS visit |
| **FSA Direct Operating Loan** | FSA | Low-interest loan | Up to $400K | Open/continuous | ⚡ Apply now |
| **FSA Farm Ownership Loan** | FSA | Low-interest loan | Up to $600K | Open/continuous | ⚡ Apply now |
| **LFP** | FSA | Disaster payment | TBD if eligible | March 1, 2027 | 🔍 Verify eligibility |
| **ELAP** | FSA | Disaster payment | TBD if eligible | March 1, 2027 | 🔍 Verify eligibility |

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## CONTACTS — TWO OFFICES, TWO VISITS

Both NRCS and FSA are typically co-located at the same service center.

### Osage County NRCS Field Office
**115 W 17th Street, Lyndon, KS 66451**
📞 (785) 828-4631
Programs: EQIP, CSP

### Osage County FSA Service Center
*(Same building or adjacent — confirm address when you call NRCS)*
Programs: Operating Loan, Farm Ownership Loan, LFP, ELAP, FSA farm number

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## PROGRAM 1: EQIP
### Environmental Quality Incentives Program

**What it covers:** Cost-share for conservation infrastructure — fencing, water systems, grazing plans, brush management.
**Cost share:** 90% (Beginning Farmer/Rancher rate)
**Contract max:** $450,000/year | $900,000 over 6 years
**Payment timing:** Reimbursement after practice installation (advance payment available for beginning farmers)

### Priority Practices for MT Land & Cattle

#### TIER 1 — Core Rotational Grazing Bundle

**528 — Grazing Management (Prescribed Grazing)**
- Anchor practice. Required to support fencing and water system ranking.
- HU-Range, Intensive: $21.72/ac × 880 ac = **$19,114**
- HU-Range, Standard: $8.91/ac × 880 ac = **$7,841**
- *Get the grazing plan first. NRCS staff write it with you at no cost.*

**382 — Fence**
- Cross-fencing 880 acres into ~8 paddocks for rotational system
- HU-High Tensile Electric, 5+ Wires: **$3.27/ft**
- HU-Barbed or Smooth Wire, Multi-Strand: **$3.04/ft**
- HU-Virtual Fence, Year 1 Base: **$10,023.57** + $48.81/unit ongoing
- *Est. 15,000 lnft at $3.27/ft = $49,050*

**614 — Watering Facility**
- One water source per paddock required for rotational grazing to function
- HU-Frost Free Tank: **$2,097.02/unit**
- HU-Permanent Large, Base: **$2,587.50** + $0.81/gal
- HU-Water Storage Tank: **$1,407.61** base + $1.11/gal
- *Est. 8 units × $2,097 = $16,776*

**516 — Livestock Pipeline**
- Distributes water from source to paddock tanks
- HU-HDPE, Base Cost: **$1,642.19**
- HU-Rural Water Connection: **$5,085.20/ea**
- HU-Difficult Trenching: **$23.97/lnft**

#### TIER 2 — High Priority

**314 — Brush Management**
- Eastern red cedar encroachment is the dominant grazing land degradation issue in eastern Kansas/Flint Hills
- HU-Chemical, Ground Application: **$31.38/ac**
- HU-Mechanical, Large Shrubs, Medium Infestation: **$378.89/ac**
- *100-300 acres treated = $6,000–$75,000*

**561 — Heavy Use Area Protection**
- 142 head around gates, water, and feed areas = significant mud/degradation
- HU-Rock/Gravel on Geotextile: **$2.81/sqft**
- HU-Reinforced Concrete: **$1,631.19** base + $582.20/cuyd

#### TIER 3 — Secondary

**590 — Nutrient Management** (streams on property → water quality concern)
- HU-Nutrient Management: **$37.52/ac**
- HU-Manure: **$302.78/ac**

**512 — Pasture and Hay Planting** (after cedar clearing)
- HU-Introduced Perennial Species: **$351.20/ac**
- HU-Native Perennial Species: **$430.96/ac**

### EQIP Estimated Total: $128,000–$255,000

### EQIP Application Form
**NRCS-CPA-1200** (October 2025)
Download: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2026-01/NRCS-CPA-1200.pdf
*See detailed pre-filled answers in companion file: MT-Land-Cattle-EQIP-Application-Packet.md*

### EQIP Pre-Filled Application Summary
- Applicant: MT- LAND AND CATTLE LLC (Entity)
- EIN last 4: 4243
- Both Derek Thomas and Lee Mudd on application
- **Check Beginning Farmer/Rancher on Section 3b** — unlocks 90% cost share + advance payment
- Assistance Requested: "Prescribed grazing (528), cross-fencing (382), watering facilities (614), livestock pipeline (516), brush management (314) — 880-acre cow/calf operation, beginning farmer LLC formed 2025"
- Primary livestock: Beef cattle, cow/calf
- Primary land use: Pasture/rangeland
- Electronic delivery: Yes — DEREKTHOMAS58@GMAIL.COM

---

## PROGRAM 2: CSP
### Conservation Stewardship Program

**What it covers:** Annual payments for maintaining and improving existing conservation activities. Complements EQIP — apply at the same NRCS visit.
**Payment structure:** Annual payments for 5-year contract, renewable
**Estimated annual payment:** $8,000–$25,000 for a mid-size cattle ranch (142 head)
**5-year total:** $40,000–$125,000

### Why MT Land & Cattle Qualifies
CSP requires meeting a stewardship threshold on at least 2 resource concerns. MT Land & Cattle qualifies based on:
- Interest in rotational/managed grazing ✅
- Streams/wetlands on property requiring management ✅
- Grazing land condition concern ✅

### Top CSP Enhancements for This Operation
- Intensive rotational grazing system
- Riparian buffer and stream access exclusion fencing
- Drought-resilient grazing strategies
- Brush and invasive species (cedar) management
- Pollinator habitat integration

### How to Apply
Same form as EQIP: **NRCS-CPA-1200** — check the CSP box in addition to EQIP.
NRCS will conduct a Conservation Assessment Ranking Tool (CART) evaluation during the site visit to score your operation's current conservation performance.

**Important:** CSP and EQIP can run simultaneously. CSP pays for ongoing stewardship; EQIP pays for new installations. Apply for both at the same visit.

---

## PROGRAM 3: FSA DIRECT OPERATING LOAN
### For Operating Capital

**What it covers:** Annual operating expenses, livestock purchases, equipment, minor improvements, reorganizing the farm for profitability.
**Max amount:** **$400,000**
**Rates:** Below-market, fixed interest rate (set monthly by USDA — currently lower than commercial)
**Key qualifier:** Must show inability to obtain credit elsewhere at reasonable rates

### Why They Qualify
- LLC formed 2025 = Beginning Farmer/Rancher (priority for direct loans)
- Gross income under $50K = demonstrates need
- Stated need: operating capital
- Lyndon State Bank loan already maxed — establishes "unable to obtain more credit commercially"

### Eligibility Flags
- ✅ Beginning farmer (under 10 years)
- ✅ Will materially participate in operations
- ⚠️ Entity requirement: all LLC members (Derek Thomas, Lee Mudd) must be related by blood or marriage OR all must independently qualify as beginning farmers
- ⚠️ Verify: Derek and Lee's relationship (family vs. unrelated partners) — determines form of direct vs. guaranteed loan

### Application Form
**FSA-2001: Request for Direct Loan Assistance**
Download: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Form_FSA_2001_Request_For_Direct_Loan_Assistance.pdf
Also available via FSA Online Loan Application (OLA) — April 2026 expanded to legal entities
Apply at: https://farmers.gov/loans

### Documents Needed
- LLC Articles of Organization
- 3 years of tax returns (personal and business — note: LLC is new, so personal returns for Derek and Lee)
- Current balance sheet
- Farm business plan (NRCS conservation plan can support this)
- 2 years of cash flow projections
- List of assets and liabilities

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## PROGRAM 4: FSA FARM OWNERSHIP LOAN
### For Land Purchase

**What it covers:** Purchase of farmland, construction/improvement of farm buildings, soil and water conservation.
**Max amount:** **$600,000** (direct) | No cap (guaranteed)
**Down Payment Program:** Only 5% down required for beginning farmers (FSA covers 45%, conventional lender 50%)
**Key use:** Matches their stated goal — purchase additional land to expand herd

### Eligibility Flags
- ✅ Beginning farmer designation
- ✅ 880 acres currently owned — verify this is under 30% of average farm size in Osage County (FSA will calculate)
- ✅ **3-year experience requirement: CONFIRMED** — Derek and/or Lee have qualifying prior farming or management experience. Document this at the FSA appointment (prior farm work, business management, or ag coursework records).
- ⚠️ Entity requirement: all LLC members must be related by blood or marriage — OR both must independently qualify as beginning farmers. Confirm Derek and Lee's relationship at FSA appointment.

### Application Form
**FSA-2001** (same form covers both operating and ownership — check the appropriate box)
Or apply via FSA Online Loan Application (OLA): https://farmers.gov/loans

### Down Payment Program Specifics (if 3-yr experience met)
- Borrower pays: 5% down
- FSA direct loan: 45% (up to $300,595 at current limits)
- Commercial lender: 50%
- Reduces capital barrier for land acquisition significantly

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## PROGRAM 5: LFP — LIVESTOCK FORAGE DISASTER PROGRAM
### Potential Drought Relief

**What it covers:** Compensates for grazing losses due to drought on privately owned or leased land.
**Payment:** Based on livestock type, head count, and grazing days lost.
**Application deadline:** March 1, 2027 (for 2026 losses)

### Eligibility Check Required
USDA offered drought disaster assistance to Kansas producers as of June 2026. Osage County designation must be confirmed — FSA updates the eligible county list every Thursday.

**Action:** Call Osage County FSA and ask: "Is Osage County designated for LFP drought assistance for 2026?" If yes, file immediately — this is free money for losses already experienced.

### If Eligible: What to Bring
- Documentation of 142 head (livestock inventory records)
- Evidence of grazing loss (photos, grazing records, forage test results)
- Lease agreements for any leased acres
- FSA farm number

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## PROGRAM 6: ELAP — EMERGENCY LIVESTOCK ASSISTANCE
### Above-Normal Input Costs

**What it covers:** Compensates for above-normal costs of hauling water to livestock, hauling feed, or transporting livestock to alternative grazing.
**Application deadline:** March 1, 2027 (for 2026 costs)

**Action:** Ask FSA at the same visit as LFP — same office, same forms, same deadline. If they had any emergency feed or water hauling costs in 2026, document them and file.

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## MASTER CHECKLIST — SUBMISSION SEQUENCE

### WEEK 1: FSA First
- [ ] Call Osage County FSA, schedule appointment
- [ ] At FSA: Establish/confirm FSA farm number
- [ ] At FSA: File AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) certification — required for EQIP
- [ ] At FSA: Ask about LFP eligibility for Osage County (2026 drought)
- [ ] At FSA: Pick up FSA-2001 forms for Operating Loan + Ownership Loan
- [ ] Gather: LLC Articles of Organization, EIN letter, deeds, personal tax returns (Derek + Lee)

### WEEK 2: NRCS Visit
- [ ] Call NRCS (785) 828-4631, schedule conservation planning visit
- [ ] At NRCS: Discuss EQIP + CSP simultaneously
- [ ] At NRCS: Complete NRCS-CPA-1200 (check EQIP + CSP boxes)
- [ ] At NRCS: Check "Beginning Farmer or Rancher" in Section 3b
- [ ] At NRCS: Schedule site visit for conservation plan development
- [ ] At NRCS: Ask about next FY2027 batching date

### WEEKS 3–4: FSA Loan Applications
- [ ] Complete FSA-2001 (Operating Loan — up to $400K for operating capital)
- [ ] Complete FSA-2001 (Farm Ownership Loan — for land purchase)
- [ ] Submit with: tax returns, balance sheet, cash flow projections, business plan, LLC docs
- [ ] Document 3 years of prior farming experience for Derek and/or Lee (Farm Ownership Loan)

### ONGOING
- [ ] NRCS schedules site visit and develops conservation plan
- [ ] EQIP + CSP applications ranked in next cycle (fall 2026)
- [ ] FSA loan underwriting begins
- [ ] If LFP eligible: file by March 1, 2027
- [ ] Do NOT start any EQIP practice installation until NRCS contract is signed

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## TOTAL POTENTIAL FUNDING SUMMARY

| Program | Type | Est. Range |
|---------|------|-----------|
| EQIP | Cost-share grant | $128,000–$255,000 |
| CSP | Annual payments (5 yr) | $40,000–$125,000 |
| FSA Operating Loan | Low-interest loan | Up to $400,000 |
| FSA Ownership Loan | Low-interest loan | Up to $600,000 |
| LFP | Disaster payment | TBD (verify eligibility) |
| ELAP | Disaster payment | TBD (verify eligibility) |
| **Total Potential** | | **$768,000–$1,380,000+** |

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## FILES IN THIS PACKAGE

| File | Contents |
|------|----------|
| `MT-Land-Cattle-COMPLETE-SUBMISSION-PACKAGE.md` | This document — master guide, all programs |
| `MT-Land-Cattle-EQIP-Application-Packet.md` | Detailed EQIP practice-by-practice breakdown with all FY2026 payment rates |

Both files are on your Desktop.

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## KEY LINKS

| Resource | URL |
|----------|-----|
| NRCS-CPA-1200 (EQIP/CSP Application) | https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2026-01/NRCS-CPA-1200.pdf |
| FSA-2001 (Operating + Ownership Loan) | https://www.fsa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Form_FSA_2001_Request_For_Direct_Loan_Assistance.pdf |
| FSA Online Loan Application | https://farmers.gov/loans |
| FY2026 Kansas EQIP Payment Schedule | https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2026-03/FY26_EQIP_PaymentSchedule_0.pdf |
| Kansas EQIP Program Page | https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/environmental-quality-incentives-program/kansas/environmental-quality |
| LFP Eligibility Dashboard | https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/3c9aef9fd4684f948e3bb2375b93cfb9 |
| CSP Program Info | https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/conservation-stewardship-program |

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*Payment rates from FY2026 Kansas NRCS EQIP Payment Schedule (March 2, 2026). All EQIP/CSP estimates use 90% Beginning Farmer/Rancher (HU) cost share. FSA loan amounts are current program maximums — actual approval based on credit review. LFP/ELAP amounts subject to county designation and documented losses. Prepared by CHELCIE, August 24, 2026.*