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FSA’s Direct Farm Operating loans are a valuable resource to establish, maintain and strengthen your farm or ranch. Under its direct loan program, FSA loan officers are responsible for every aspect of the loan application process, and funding is provided through Congressional appropriation.

Microloans are direct farm operating loans with a shortened application process and reduced paperwork designed to meet the needs of smaller, non-traditional, and niche type operations. Apprentice and mentorship programs, non-farm business experience, and farm labor experience are acceptable alternative solutions for helping to meet farm experience and managerial requirements.

Operating loans may be used to purchase items such as:

Operating loan funds cannot be used to finance nonfarm enterprises, including earthworms, exotic birds, tropical fish, dogs or horses used for non-farm purposes (racing, pleasure, show and boarding).

There is no minimum loan amount. The maximum loan amount for a Microloan is $35,000.The maximum loan amount for a Direct Farm Operating Loan is $300,000. There is no down payment requirement.

We encourage you to contact your local office or USDA Service Center to learn more about our programs and the information you will need for a complete application. To locate your local FSA office, click here or find a listing in the telephone directory in the section set aside for governmental/public organizations under the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency. Our local FSA offices will be happy to provide you with further information and a loan application.