Government Programs Hub

USDA Farm Programs

The USDA administers over $5 billion in farm loans annually through the Farm Service Agency (FSA) — typically at rates below commercial lenders. Here's how to navigate every program.

$5.8B loaned in FY2024 115,000+ farms served 2,100+ county offices Updated May 2026
All 19 FSA Loans 6 Farm Storage 2 Crop Insurance 4 Beginning Farmer 4 Emergency 3

USDA FSA Loan Programs at a Glance

The Farm Service Agency offers five main loan types, all with rates below most commercial lenders. No application fee for any FSA loan.

AcreCompass has no affiliate relationship with USDA programs. We include them because they offer farmers the lowest rates available.

USDA Program Guides

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FSA Loans 15 min read
USDA FSA Loans: Complete Guide for Farmers (2026)
Every FSA loan type explained: Direct, Guaranteed, Microloan, Emergency. Rates, limits, and how to qualify.
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FSA Loans 10 min read
FSA Direct vs. Guaranteed Loans: Which Is Right for Your Farm?
Side-by-side comparison of loan limits, rates, eligibility, and application process for both FSA pathways.
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How-To Guide 12 min read
How to Apply for a USDA Farm Loan: Step-by-Step Guide
7-step walkthrough from finding your county office to loan closing — plus a required documents checklist.
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Farm Storage 9 min read
USDA Farm Storage Facility Loans: Rates, Limits & How to Apply
Build grain bins, cold storage, and silos at ~2.5% — one of the lowest rates for any farm loan type.
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Crop Insurance Hub
Crop Insurance: A Farmer's Complete Guide
Revenue Protection, Yield Protection, APH, and WFRP — how USDA's RMA program works and how to enroll.
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Crop Insurance 11 min read
Revenue Protection vs. Yield Protection Crop Insurance: Key Differences
RP covers both price drops and yield loss. YP covers yield only. Here's which one most farmers choose and why.
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Explore All Farm Finance Topics

Browse our other topic hubs for land loans, operating capital, equipment, and lender reviews.