The application period for spring cash advances for farmers is now open.

The federal program is administered by the Canola Growers Association.

Finance director Dave Gallant says the program offers a cash advance up to one million dollars to farmers, with the first 100 thousand dollars interest free.

Gallant says this is the earliest ever period for farmers to apply for cash advances.

He says more than 10 thousand Western Canadian farmers take advantage of the federal cash advance program.

Funds will be issued on approved advances on April 1st.