USDA is here to help farmers, ranchers, and foresters get the loan support they need to be successful. Whether you’re a new farmer just getting started or a seasoned rancher in business for decades, we have loan options to help you meet your goals.
FSA Letter to Borrowers
In January 2021, USDA announced a temporary suspension of past-due debt collection and foreclosures for distressed direct loan borrowers due to the economic hardship imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. USDA will not be accelerating or foreclosing on any direct loans, regardless of payment status, while the suspension is in effect. Although some direct loan borrowers may have received a standardized form known as the “Notice of Intent to Accelerate”, they should rest assured that USDA is not pursuing any acceleration or foreclosure.
More information can be found in this January 31, 2022 FSA letter to direct loan borrowers.
Translated Versions of the Jan 31, 2022 FSA Letter to Direct Loan Borrowers
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Farm Loan Discovery Tool
Find a USDA Farm Loan that might be right for you by answering a few short questions. Learn about your eligibility and find application guides to help you prepare for your USDA Service Center visit with a loan officer.
Ver en Español: Buscador de Préstamos Agrícolas
Loan Options
Loans to Purchase or Expand a Farm or Ranch
Farm Ownership Loans can be used to purchase or expand a farm or ranch. This loan can help with paying closing costs, constructing or improving buildings on the farm, or to help conserve and protect soil and water resources.
USDA’s Farm Service Agency offers up to $600,000 for eligible borrowers through Farm Ownership Loans.
Microloans are a type of Operating or Farm Ownership Loan. They’re designed to meet the needs of small and beginning farmers, or for non-traditional and specialty operations by easing some of the requirements and offering less paperwork.
Loans to Purchase Livestock, Seed or Equipment
Farm Operating Loans can be used to purchase livestock, seed and equipment. It can also cover farm operating costs and family living expenses while a farm gets up and running.
USDA’s Farm Service Agency offers up to $400,000 for eligible borrowers through Farm Operating Loans.
Microloans are a type of Operating or Farm Ownership Loan. They’re designed to meet the needs of small and beginning farmers, or for non-traditional and specialty operations by easing some of the requirements and offering less paperwork.
Youth Loans are a type of Operating Loan for young people between 10-20 years old who need assistance with an educational agricultural project. Typically, these youth are participating in 4-H clubs, FFA , or a similar organization.
Storage Loans
Storage loans, like the Farm Storage Facility Loan and the Sugar Storage Facility Loan, can be used to help producers build or upgrade farm storage and handling facilities.
USDA’s Farm Service Agency offers up to $500,000 for storage facilities and $100,000 for storage and handling trucks for eligible borrowers through Farm Storage Facility Loans. For Sugar Storage Facility Loans, the maximum principal amount of any loan is calculated as 85 percent of the net cost of the applicant’s needed storage.
Commodity Loans
Marketing Assistance Loans (MALs) provide producers interim financing at harvest time to meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are typically at harvest-time lows.
Loan Deficiency Payments (LDPs) are payments made to producers who, although eligible to obtain a CCC loan, agree to forgo the loan in return for a payment on the eligible commodity.
Loan Application Quick Guides
Better understand how to apply for farm loans and prepare for your visit to a Service Center.
- Quick Guide for Individuals
- Quick Guide for Entities
- Quick Guide for Microloans
- Quick Guide for Youth Loans
These guides are also available en Español.
Log in to View Your Farm Loan Information
If you already have an existing loan with USDA, you can securely view loan details and other financial information with a farmers.gov account.
Using a desktop, tablet, or phone, you can access your farmers.gov portal account to view:
- Loan information
- Interest payments for the current calendar year (including year-to-date interest paid for the past five years)
- Loan advance and payment history
- Paid-in-full and restructured loans
- Account alerts, giving borrowers important notifications regarding their loans. For example, an account alert will be displayed if a loan is past due.
American Rescue Plan Debt Payments
The American Rescue Plan includes provisions for USDA to pay up to 120% of loan balances, as of January 1, 2021, for Farm Service Agency (FSA) Direct and Guaranteed Farm Loans and Farm Storage Facility Loans debt relief to any socially disadvantaged producer who has a qualifying loan with FSA.
Find Your Local Service Center
We are committed to delivering USDA services to America’s farmers and ranchers while taking safety measures in response to the pandemic. Some USDA offices are beginning to reopen to limited visitors by appointment only. Service Center staff also continue to work with agricultural producers via phone, email, and other digital tools. Learn more at farmers.gov/coronavirus.
USDA Service Centers are locations where you can connect with Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development employees for your business needs. Enter your state and county below to find your local service center and agency offices. If this locator does not work in your browser, please visit offices.usda.gov.
Visit the Risk Management Agency website to find a regional or compliance office or to find an insurance agent near you.
