About 17 states issue tax-exempt bonds that let a bank or seller lend to a beginning farmer at a reduced interest rate for land, buildings, breeding stock or equipment. Ask your state ag finance authority whether it runs one.
Typical award
Typically up to about $650,000 (federally indexed cap)
The eligibility and application details below are general guidance for this kind of program, not text copied from the funder. The facts above — who runs it, how much, and when it closes — are hand-checked. Always confirm specifics on the official page.
Am I eligible?
Open nationwide — check for state-level ranking or set-asides
Individual farmers, ranchers, and farm businesses may apply
Beginning, veteran, and historically underserved producers are prioritized
Applicant is usually required to be registered to do business in the state
Credit history, repayment ability, and collateral are reviewed
Business plan and cash-flow projections generally required
How to apply
1Talk to a State beginning farmer authorities loan officer about the size and purpose of the loan
2Assemble financials: balance sheet, income history, and projections
3Submit the application with your business plan and collateral information
4Respond to underwriting questions, then close and draw funds
What you'll need
Farm or business name, address, and tax ID / EIN
Three years of tax returns (or projections if you're just starting)
Current balance sheet and cash-flow projection
Business plan and description of what the loan will buy
Collateral list and any existing debt schedule
Timeline & contact
Typically 30–90 days from application to closing, faster for microloans
Get help: State beginning farmer authorities — also try Cooperative Extension in your county
Ready to apply?
Applications go through State beginning farmer authorities, not through this site. Open the official page below for eligibility rules, forms, and contacts. For federal programs it's worth calling your local USDA Service Center or Cooperative Extension office first — they help with paperwork for free and know what your county actually funds.
Curated listings and periodic direct grant programs for farmers in their first ten years, plus land access and student loan forgiveness advocacy resources.
Open nationwide — check for state-level ranking or set-asides
Individual farmers, ranchers, and farm businesses may apply