FederalRolling / continuousLoan / credit
USDA Farm Service Agency
Rolling — apply any time at your county FSA office
Low-interest down payment financing for beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged farmers buying their first farm, paired with a commercial or seller-financed loan.
- Beginning farmer or rancher (generally less than 10 years operating)
- Veteran or socially disadvantaged farmer status qualifies
Up to 45% of purchase price, max $300,150; 1.5% interest, 20-year term
Credit & capitalBeginning / underservedIndividual producerTribal
FederalRolling / continuousLoan / credit
U.S. Small Business Administration (via intermediary lenders)
Rolling — apply through a local SBA intermediary lender
Working capital and equipment loans for small food and ag businesses through community lenders, often paired with free business counseling. Useful for farm-adjacent ventures FSA won't finance.
- Open nationwide — check for state-level ranking or set-asides
- Individual farmers, ranchers, and farm businesses may apply
Up to $50,000; average around $13,000
Credit & capitalIndividual producerNon-profitBeginning / underserved
Private / NonprofitRolling / continuousLoan / credit
Kiva
Rolling — apply any time
0% interest, no-fee crowdfunded loans for small farms and food businesses that can't access conventional credit. You invite your own network to fund the first portion.
- Open nationwide — check for state-level ranking or set-asides
- Individual farmers, ranchers, and farm businesses may apply
Up to $15,000 at 0% interest
Credit & capitalIndividual producerNon-profitBeginning / underserved