The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers direct and guaranteed farm ownership and operating loans for beginning farmers and ranchers who cannot secure credit through commercial lenders.
To qualify, applicants must have less than 10 years of farming experience and be actively involved in the operation. For ownership loans, applicants must not already own over 30% of the average farm size in their county. At least three years of recent farm management experience is required, though education or military service may substitute.
Direct loans are issued by FSA, while guaranteed loans are provided by lenders with up to 95% of losses backed by FSA. Funds may be used for purchasing land, equipment, livestock or operating costs.
For more information, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/news-events/news/04-21-2025/usda-offers-farm-loans-beginning-farmers or contact your local FSA office.
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