USDA’s Farm Service Agency says 2017 was another year of high activity in its farm loan programs. During the year, farm families across the country accessed nearly $6 billion in new credit, either directly or guaranteed through commercial lenders. At year end, FSA was assisting more than 120,000 family farmers with loans totaling just over $25 billion. FSA provides a variety of loan assistance, including direct and guaranteed farm ownership loans, operating loans and even direct microloans up to $50,000 and EZ Guarantees up to $100,000 with streamlined application processes. According to the agency, more than 25,000 direct and guaranteed loans went to beginning or underserved farmers and ranchers. Over 4,200 beginning farmers received direct farm ownership loans from FSA to make their first land purchase. And of the approximately 6,500 Microloans made in the last fiscal year, three-quarters (almost 4,900) went to beginning farmers, 1,000 went to women and 400 to veterans. For additional information about FSA farm loans, contact your local FSA office. Click here for locations.
