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Expensive equipment, seasonal periods of low business activity, and working capital management can all stand in the way of business growth, not to mention the risk of weather-related concerns damaging your inventory.
Whether dealing with a challenge or an opportunity to grow, it’s important to have a financing relationship as you navigate through and drive profit within the agricultural industry.
There are various financing options specific to the agricultural industry, but you can also use more traditional options to support your operation.
Our comprehensive guide on agricultural lending and financing gives you everything you need to know before you start the process, giving you an undeniable competitive edge as you secure favorable terms to grow your business.
What Is an Agricultural Loan or a Farm Loan?
Agricultural loans, also known as farm loans, are financing options designed for entrepreneurs and business owners in the agricultural sector. There are solutions specifically tailored to the agricultural industry and more general options available to all entrepreneurs. Your use of the borrowed funds will depend on the program you opt into, as the majority of agriculture-specific options are only available for specific purposes. For example, farm ownership loans are only for situations where you’re purchasing or expanding a farm, so you won’t be able to secure one of these loans if you need capital for other reasons.Where Can I Get a Farm/Agricultural Loan?
Agriculture-specific loans are offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), while traditional financing solutions are available at banks, credit unions, and non-bank lenders. The USDA offers reduced qualifications to encourage business growth in the industry. Banks and credit unions, on the other hand, carry strict eligibility requirements that require you to have a lengthy time in business, a strong credit score, and consistently high revenue. Non-bank lenders are essentially the opposite of banks and credit unions. They feature lower eligibility requirements, fast funding times, and few – if any – industry restrictions. It’s worthwhile to explore your options at all of these lenders to ensure you have the best options to choose from when it comes time to make a decision.What Are the Different Types of Agricultural Loans?
There are different types of agricultural loans that you can apply for, Information is power, and it’s best to understand all the options available to you before you start the process. Here are the various types of agricultural loans offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).| Type of Loan | Description |
|---|---|
| Operational Loans |
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| Farm Ownership Loans |
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| Microloans |
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| Emergency Loans |
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| Youth Loans | Borrowing maximum: $5,000 Repayment terms: 7 years maxYoung entrepreneurs can get their start in the industry using an FSA-sponsored youth loan, which features a maximum borrowing limit of $5,000.To qualify, you’ll need to have a project manager sponsor you, and this individual needs to be capable of supervising, training, and helping you as you move throughout the process. If you’re under the age of 18, you’ll also need a parent or guardian to consent to the application. |
Types of Traditional Agricultural Loans & Financing Options
If the above-mentioned options don’t work for your specific circumstances, you can seek other options to help your organization grow. Some of the traditional agricultural loans that you can get include term loans, business lines of credit, equipment financing, SBA loans, and more. Or, if you plan enough, you can potentially secure a traditional option on top of your FSA-sponsored loan, allowing you to grow and outpace your competition without restraint. Here are some of the most common financing options available to agricultural business owners:Term Loans
Term loans are given in one-time payments that you’ll repay over an agreed-upon term. Most FSA options are term loans, but if you choose to finance outside of the FSA, you can potentially secure a much larger loan amount. Repayment terms generally cap out at 25 years, and maximum borrowing limits will depend on the financial background of your business.Business Lines of Credit
A business line of credit is a revolving credit facility from which you can draw physical cash whenever needed. You can access the same funds again after you’ve repaid them, and interest only applies to the amount drawn, not your total credit limit. They’re best used for ongoing capital needs, like payroll and material orders, or projects where you don’t know the exact cost.Equipment Financing
Equipment financing breaks down the cost of an asset over an extended schedule. The equipment you’re purchasing usually serves as collateral for the loan, which eliminates the need for further collateral. Some borrowers leverage equipment financing and lower their tax liability through the Section 179 tax deduction. For more information on this specific tax break, consult your financial advisor.SBA Loans
SBA loans are highly coveted due to their high borrowing limits, low interest rates, and favorable repayment terms, but they’re also difficult to qualify for. This is because the government partially guarantees 75% to 85% of the borrowed amount, meaning that they’ll pay that balance if you default on the financing. The extra layer of security restricts eligibility, but if you can qualify, you can borrow up to $5 million with some of the lowest interest rates on the market.
How to Apply for an Agricultural Loan
Applying for an agricultural loan is as simple as filling out an application and waiting for a response. Understanding whether that offer is the best one available to you, however, isn’t as straightforward. At National Business Capital, we make finding and comparing the most competitive financing offers you qualify simple and easy. You apply once, receive multiple offers from our network of strategic lending partners, and select the best one alongside guidance from your dedicated business advisor. Here’s what to expect from the process:- Apply Securely Within Minutes – Move through our streamlined application within minutes and upload your business documents with zero risk.
- Review Your Offers – Compare your offers with expert advice from our team and select the best one for your specific circumstances.
- Receive Your Money – Seize an immediate opportunity to grow your business or tackle a new challenge with confidence.
Choose National Business Capital for Agricultural Business Financing
Searching for a lender is complicated and requires you to take time out of your busy schedule, which is something not many business owners can afford as they manage the day-to-day of their business. Not to mention all the considerations you’ll have to put into your decision, as you’ll need to carefully review the interest rate, repayment terms, and other factors to ensure you’re capable of paying back the borrowed amount within the term. All of this can be overwhelming, but you can streamline your search for financing by teaming up with National Business Capital. At National Business Capital, our expert team of Business Finance Advisors does the heavy lifting for you. They take the time to learn about you, your business, and the challenges you face starting from the initial consultation. Then, they get to work and find a lender who can offer terms that meet the needs of your organization, allowing you to maintain your focus on what matters most—your business. Ready to get started? Complete our digital application and take the first step toward securing an agricultural loan that will help kick-start your growth.ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Phil Fernandes serves as Chief Operating Officer for National Business Capital. He boasts 15 years of experience in sales and 10+ years of management experience as National’s VP of Financing/Analytics. Phil is also an excellent writer who's completed the Applied Business Analytics executive program at MIT and regularly contributes articles to National Business Capital’s blog.
