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FEDERAL

FSA Farm Ownership Loan (Direct)

USDA Farm Service Agency direct loans up to $600,000 for farmers to purchase, construct, or improve farms and ranches.

About this program

FSA Direct Farm Ownership Loans help family-size farmers and ranchers who cannot obtain commercial credit to buy farmland, construct or improve buildings, develop soil/water conservation, and pay closing costs. Maximum loan: $600,000 with terms up to 40 years and interest rates set monthly. Beginning farmers can use a Down Payment Loan Program requiring only 5% down. A joint financing arrangement allows beginning farmers to combine FSA funds (up to 50%) with commercial lender funds at favorable rates.

Eligibility

Family farmers and ranchers who cannot obtain commercial credit; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; have 3 years of farm management experience within the past 10 years (with some substitutions allowed for education, military leadership, or business management).

Requirements

  • Unable to obtain commercial credit elsewhere
  • 3 years farm management experience (with substitutions)
  • U.S. citizenship/permanent residency