Farming can be a rewarding career, but starting and maintaining a small farm often requires access to capital. Agricultural loans exist to help small farmers obtain the funding needed to purchase equipment, upgrade infrastructure, cover operating expenses, and more.
Types of Agricultural Loans
Several categories of loans exist specifically for agricultural and farming purposes. The main types include:
Operating Loans
Operating loans help finance short-term operating expenses like seed, fertilizer, equipment repairs, utilities, payroll, and other daily operational costs. These loans are usually repaid within 12 months from the date of harvest.
Equipment Loans
Equipment loans allow farmers to purchase new or used machinery, vehicles, tools, and other implements needed on the farm. Terms typically range from 3-7 years depending on the type and value of equipment.
Real Estate Loans
Real estate loans fund the purchase of farmland and buildings. Interest rates are usually lower than other types, but repayment terms can extend by 15-30 years. Lenders will require property as collateral.
Microloans
Microloans provide very small loans, usually under $50,000, to start or expand very small farms or rural microenterprises. Terms are shorter at 3-7 years. Microloans have fewer qualification requirements than traditional loans.
Disaster Loans
Low-interest disaster loans through the USDA Farm Service Agency help producers recover from droughts, floods, and other weather-related disasters or quarantine issues. Eligibility is based on losses, not credit history.
Youth Loans
Special youth loan programs exist to help farmers under age 35 get started with lower interest rates and less stringent qualifications than standard ag loans. The Farm Service Agency and other lenders offer youth loans.
Qualifying for an Agricultural Loan
Most agricultural lenders, whether private banks, the Farm Credit System, or government agencies like the USDA, have similar requirements for small farm loan eligibility and approval:
- Feasibility of operation – Lenders evaluate the farm business plan to ensure the operation is viable and has potential for profitability.
- Sufficient collateral – Loans typically require collateral like land, equipment, crops, or livestock to secure the amount borrowed in case of default. Beginning farmers may be able to pledge future crops or FSA guarantees.
- Repayment ability – Applicants must demonstrate they can repay the loan from farm income based on three years of financial records like tax returns, balance sheets, and cash flow budgets.
- Credit history – A credit report and score are reviewed. While not a sole factor, good credit makes approval more likely. Youth or microloans may have more flexibility here.
- Experience – Some experience in production agriculture is preferred but not always required. Training and education can help beginning farmers demonstrate competence.
- Citizenship – Borrowers must be U.S. citizens or registered aliens. Some lenders require residency in their state/district.
Providing thorough, accurate documents is key to showing qualifications when applying for an agricultural loan. Lenders also value on-time payments on existing loans as the strongest factor.
Loan Terms, Rates and Options
With approved credit, loans for small farms offer competitive terms and low fixed interest rates. Standard loan products include:
- Fixed rates – The interest rate stays the same for the life of the loan, creating reliable and predictable payments. Rates are usually the lowest available.
- Variable rates – The rate fluctuates over time based on an index like the prime rate. This can lower payments but introduces uncertainty if rates increase.
- amortized payments – Monthly payments include both principal and interest so the balance gradually reduces over time. This builds equity faster.
- Balloon payments – Lower initial payments are offset by a large lump sum due at maturity, essentially re-financing the remaining balance at that point.
- Interest-only payments – Only the interest is paid monthly, with the principal due as a single payment at the end of the term. Cash flow is preserved, but little equity is built.
Lenders work to structure agricultural loans customized to each operation’s needs. Beginning farmers especially benefit from flexible options to gradually work up to standard loan terms.
Agricultural Loan Application Process
To start the application process, small farmers should contact their local agricultural lenders directly or search online lender directories. Here are the typical steps:
- Meet with a loan officer – Discuss operation details, financing needs, and lender requirements. Get pre-approval estimates.
- Complete application and submit documents – Forms request financials, tax returns, collateral details, farming history. May take 4-6 weeks.
- Loan review – The underwriter analyzes credit, cash flow, collateral value, and risks. May request more information.
- Process completion – Approval notification includes terms, closing process, and disbursement schedule if applicable.
- Closing – Sign final loan documents, provide collateral, and receive funds. It may take 30-60 days total from the start to receiving money.
Timelines vary by lender, loan purpose, and season. Early and consistent communication helps streamline the process. Keep thorough records to demonstrate loan qualifications over time as relationships are built.
Agricultural Loan Tips for Approval
A few additional tips can help small farmers strengthen their loan applications:
- Have a detailed business plan and financial projections for three years.
- Provide three years of tax transcripts—or at least two years of your own records and one year of similar farmers.
- Keep good farm records of expenses, income, inventory, and assets. A partial year is okay when just starting out.
- Consider a cosigner to increase repayment ability if a first-time borrower has limited experience.
- Maintain sufficient property and casualty insurance on collateral like machinery and buildings.
- Make payments on time during the application process if carrying any existing debt.
- Ask about loan programs tailored for new and socially disadvantaged farmers.
- Apply well before funds are needed to allow time for processing and potential issues to be addressed.
Thorough preparation and communication demonstrate reliability and competence to agricultural lenders. Getting help from production experts or resources like local Small Business Development Centers or Extension offices can also smooth the application process.
FAQs about Agricultural Loans for Small Farms
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How much can I typically borrow as a small farmer?
Loan amounts vary greatly depending on the purpose, collateral, and cash flow supporting repayment. As a very rough guideline, operating loans usually range from $5,000-$50,000 while equipment or real estate loans may reach $100,000-$250,000 for smaller farms. Microloans cap at $50,000.
What interest rates should I expect?
Current fixed interest rates for most small farm loan programs fall between 3-6% depending on the lender, risk level, and farmer profile. Rates could increase 0.5-1.5% for variable rate products or those with fewer qualifications met. Government guaranteed loans are often the lowest available.
How long do I have to repay the loan?
Standard terms are one year or less for operating loans, 3-7 years for most equipment, and up to 15-30 years for real estate. Beginning farmers may qualify for longer amortization periods of 10-20 years to lower monthly payments and build equity. Microloans are typically 3-7 years old.
Can I use the loan for non-farm personal expenses?
No, agricultural loans must only be applied to approved farm operating and capital expenses directly related to the agricultural production portion of the business. Commingling personal and business funds is against most lender policies.
What collateral is usually required?
Common collateral includes land, equipment, crops, livestock, irrigation systems, vehicles, and farm buildings and facilities. Beginning farmers may qualify using assets like future crop or livestock revenues or collateral substitutes like FSA payment guarantees. Good records are key to valuing non-real estate assets.
Will my lack of experience prevent me from qualifying?
While experience matters, it is not always a prohibitive factor, especially for youth and microloan programs. Lenders consider farming background, education, or training in lieu of experience when debt and cash flows support repayment ability. Co-signers or loan guarantees can mitigate inexperience to some degree.
How often do agricultural lenders inspect collateral?
Depending on the type and value of collateral, lenders may inspect annually or every few years to verify assets are properly maintained and insured. More frequent inspections are atypical unless issues arise requiring follow-up. Inspections allow lenders to reassess risk while supporting good farm stewardship.