⚑ Advertiser disclosure: AcreCompass earns a commission if you apply through links on this page. AgDirect's ranking reflects independent editorial scoring — not compensation.
What AgDirect Is
AgDirect is not a bank. It is an agricultural equipment financing program backed by Farm Credit Services of America and Farm Credit Mid-America — two of the largest Farm Credit System cooperatives in the country.
AgDirect operates as the equipment financing arm of the Farm Credit System, offering access to Farm Credit's low cost of funds nationwide, even in states where the sponsoring cooperatives don't otherwise operate.
Pros
- Lowest equipment-specific starting rate reviewed (5.90%) backed by Farm Credit
- Point-of-sale dealer financing through 1,300+ equipment dealers nationwide
- Both loan and lease options available on the same platform
- Available in all 50 states — broader reach than regional Farm Credit associations
- New, used, and grain handling equipment all eligible
Cons
- Equipment financing only — no operating capital, land loans, or general business lending
- Does not offer patronage dividend (a rebate Farm Credit associations pay back to borrower-members from annual profits)s (unlike direct Farm Credit association membership)
- Minimum credit score approximately 640 — excludes lower-credit borrowers
- Used equipment rates (6.50–9.50%) are notably higher than new equipment rates
- Maximum 10-year terms — shorter than land loan options from other lenders
Who This Is For
Farmers buying or leasing equipment — tractors, combines, planters, grain bins, or hay equipment — who want competitive Farm Credit-backed rates through their dealer. Best when you have 640+ credit and want to finance at the point of sale.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Operations needing financing beyond equipment (land, operating capital) should look at full-service Farm Credit or FSA Direct. Borrowers with credit below 640 should try Lendio or National Funding instead.
This Farm Credit backing is the key differentiator: AgDirect's rates for equipment are typically 1–3 percentage points lower than commercial bank equipment loans and 2–5 points below fast-funding fintech lenders. The trade-off versus going directly to Farm Credit for equipment is a somewhat faster application (days versus weeks) without the full cooperative membership process.
— Farm Credit Administration
Equipment Types Financed
AgDirect finances virtually every category of agricultural equipment. New and used equipment are both eligible.
The program is available at many dealerships — you can often arrange AgDirect financing at the point of sale when purchasing from a participating dealer.
| Category | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Row Crops | Tractors, planters, sprayers, cultivators | New and used; dealer financing available |
| Harvest | Combines, headers, grain wagons, forage harvesters | Seasonal payment schedules available |
| Grain Handling | Bins, dryers, augers, conveyors, aeration | Fixed assets financed; often up to 10 years |
| Livestock | Feeding systems, handling equipment, milking systems | Dairy and beef eligible |
| Irrigation | Center pivots, pumps, drip systems, wells | May qualify for longer terms |
| Specialty | Orchard equipment, greenhouse structures, hoophouses | Evaluated case-by-case |
Loan vs. Lease Options
AgDirect offers both loans (you own the equipment from day one) and operating leases (you use the equipment for a set period, then return or purchase it). The choice depends on your tax situation, cash flow, and whether you want to own the equipment long-term.
- Loans: best when you want ownership, plan to keep the equipment 7–10+ years, and want to build equity
- Leases: best when you want to upgrade every
3–5 years, prefer lower monthly payments, or have tax reasons to keep equipment off the balance sheet
Your AgDirect loan officer can model both options and show you the total cost difference for your specific purchase.
Rate Structure
AgDirect uses fixed and variable rate loan structures. Fixed rates provide payment certainty; variable rates start lower but can change. For equipment purchased in 2026, fixed rates start at approximately 5.90% for well-qualified borrowers with shorter terms.
| Equipment Type | Typical Rate Range | Max Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Row crop equipment (new) | 5.90–8.50% | 7 years | Dealer financing often available |
| Row crop equipment (used) | 6.50–9.50% | 5 years | Age and condition affect rate |
| Grain handling / bins | 6.00–8.75% | 10 years | Fixed assets may qualify for longer terms |
| Irrigation systems | 5.90–8.50% | 10 years | Pivot and drip both eligible |
| Combines (new) | 5.90–8.25% | 7 years | Harvest equipment seasonally purchased |
Rates as of May 2026. Actual rates depend on credit profile, loan term, down payment, and equipment type. Contact AgDirect directly for a specific quote.
How to Apply
AgDirect applications can be submitted online at agdirect.com or through a participating equipment dealership. Dealer-point applications are the fastest path — many dealers can get you a financing decision while you're still at the dealership.
- Identify your equipment and confirm AgDirect dealer status (or apply directly online)
- Complete the application — basic financial information,
2–3 yearsof tax returns for larger loans - AgDirect reviews the application (typically 2–5 business days)
- Receive approval with rate and payment schedule
- Close at the dealership or via remote signing
- Dealer is paid; you take delivery of equipment
AgDirect vs. Farm Credit Direct
AgDirect is the right choice when you want equipment financing with Farm Credit-level rates and don't want to go through the full Farm Credit membership and underwriting process.
Farm Credit direct is better when you want to establish a comprehensive lending relationship across land, operating, and equipment loans under one cooperative.
| Factor | AgDirect | Farm Credit Direct |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment rates | 5.90%+ | 5.90%+ |
| Approval speed | 2–7 days | 2–4 weeks |
| Geographic coverage | Nationwide | Varies by association |
| Products beyond equipment | Equipment only | Land, operating, equipment |
| Patronage dividends | No | Yes |
| Dealer point-of-sale financing | Yes | Limited |
AgDirect vs. Fora Financial for Equipment
AgDirect's equipment rates (from 5.90%) are significantly lower than Fora Financial's equipment rates (7–24%). The trade-off is speed: Fora funds in 72 hours, while AgDirect takes 2–7 days.
For most equipment purchases — where you've already decided on the piece of equipment and can wait a week — AgDirect's rate advantage is worth the additional time.
✓ Pros
- Lowest rates for equipment (from 5.90%)
- Lease and loan options available
- Farm Credit expertise and backing
- Nationwide coverage
- Point-of-sale dealer financing available
- Seasonal payment structures available
✗ Cons
- Equipment financing only — no land or operating loans
- Collateral (the equipment) required
- Slower than fintech lenders (2–7 days vs. 24 hrs)
- No patronage dividends (unlike direct Farm Credit membership)
Who AgDirect Is Best For
- Farmers purchasing any category of agricultural equipment valued at
$5Kor more - Operations that want Farm Credit-level rates without a full cooperative membership process
- Buyers who prefer to arrange financing at the dealership
- Farmers in states not served by local Farm Credit associations (AgDirect is nationwide)
- Operations considering lease vs. loan options for major equipment
Check your rate at AgDirect
Agricultural equipment financing from $5K to $5M. Rates start at 5.90%. Available at dealerships nationwide or apply online.
Check Rates at AgDirect →Compare Equipment Financing Options
$5M