Find the Right Farm Loan.
In Minutes.
Compare FSA direct loans, Farm Credit, and commercial lenders side-by-side. Rates updated May 2026.
— AcreCompass Research, 2026
$600KQuick Recap
- Compare FSA government loans and commercial lenders side-by-side — rates, terms, and approval speed
- FSA Direct Loans go up to
$600,000; Guaranteed Loans up to $2.24 million for larger operations - Use the farm loan calculator to estimate monthly payments before you apply
- State-specific guides cover local FSA offices, Farm Credit associations, and state ag programs
- All lender ratings are based on rates, approval time, and ag eligibility — not affiliate commissions
Independent Reviews
Lender scores based on rates, not commissions. Methodology weights: Rates 30%, Products 25%, Application 20%, Service 15%, Transparency 10%. See how we rate lenders.
FSA Programs Included
Government options alongside every commercial lender. We include FSA loans even though they pay no affiliate commissions.
State-by-State Coverage
Local programs for all 50 states. Every state has unique ag lending programs, beginning farmer grants, and FSA service center contacts — we map them all.
Everything farm finance, in one place
From operating lines to land loans to USDA programs — every major agricultural lending category, explained.
Farm Land Loans
FSA farm ownership loans, commercial land mortgages, and Farm Credit 30-year financing. Down payment requirements, LTV guidelines, and rates compared.
Operating Loans
Cover seeds, fertilizer, fuel, and hired labor with seasonal operating lines. Compare FSA direct loans at 5.25% against commercial lenders who fund in 24 hours.
Equipment Financing
Tractors, combines, grain bins, and irrigation systems. AgDirect and Farm Credit offer the lowest rates starting at 5.90% — here's how to qualify.
USDA Programs
FSA direct loans, guaranteed programs, microloans, and emergency options — explained without government jargon. Lowest rates available for qualifying farmers.
Lender Reviews
In-depth reviews of 30+ lenders scored on rate, funding speed, minimum requirements, and real borrower experience — not just who pays us the most.
State Guides
State-specific beginning farmer programs, local FSA service center contacts, and lender availability for Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, and all 50 states.
Top-Rated Farm Lenders
As of May 2026 · Updated monthly
$500K$1.4M$600KAdvertiser disclosure: AcreCompass may earn a commission if you apply through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial ratings.
Latest Guides
Best Farm Loans of 2026: Compare Rates, Lenders & Programs
We reviewed eight agricultural lenders across five categories — including FSA programs that commercial guides typically skip.
FSA Farm Loan Guide 2026: Rates, Limits & How to Apply
Government-backed operating, ownership, and emergency loans at below-market rates — eligibility, limits, and how to work with your service center.
How Crop Insurance Works: MPCI, Revenue Protection & More
Most ag lenders require crop insurance before extending an operating line. Here's what you need — and what each policy actually covers.
Common Questions from Farmers
- Which lender funds the fastest?
- National Funding and Fora Financial typically fund in 1–3 business days. FSA direct loans take 30–60 days due to government processing.
- What’s the maximum FSA farm loan amount?
- FSA Direct Loans cap at
$600,000. FSA Guaranteed Loans — where a commercial lender makes the loan and USDA backs it — go up to $2.24 million. - Do farm lenders pull my credit?
- Most commercial lenders run a soft pull during pre-qualification. A hard inquiry happens only when you submit a full application. FSA uses its own creditworthiness criteria, not a FICO score.
- Can I get a farm loan with bad credit?
- Yes. FSA Beginning Farmer loans and USDA microloans are designed for borrowers who cannot get conventional credit. Lendio also works with lower credit profiles through its 75+ lender marketplace.
- What’s the difference between an operating loan and a farm ownership loan?
- Operating loans cover annual expenses — seeds, fertilizer, labor — and typically run
1–7 years. Ownership loans finance land purchases and run 20–40 yearsat lower rates.