Growing Forward: Farm Loans, Financing & Education for Young and Beginning Farmers

A beginning farmer is generally someone with fewer than 10 years of farming experience. Through Growing Forward^®, farmers may be eligible if they are age 35 or younger or have less than 10 years of farming experience.

Qualifying for a farm loan typically depends on factors such as your farming experience, business plan, financial position, repayment ability and the purpose of the loan. Through Growing Forward^®, eligible young and beginning farmers work with financial officers to complete a loan application, develop a business plan and identify financing solutions that support their goals.

Beginning farmers can strengthen their applications by developing a detailed business plan, maintaining accurate financial records, understanding their cash flow needs, building a strong management strategy and clearly defining their goals. Participating in educational programs, seeking professional guidance and demonstrating a commitment to the success of the operation can also help prepare farmers for financing conversations.

While financing requirements vary, having little or no farming experience does not automatically disqualify you from obtaining a farm loan. Lenders typically look at factors such as your business plan, financial position, management experience and commitment to your operation. Growing Forward^® is designed to help young and beginning farmers build the knowledge, resources, and planning needed to pursue their farming goals.

There is no single credit score requirement for all farm loans. Lenders typically review a variety of factors, including credit history, repayment ability, financial strength, business planning and the overall viability of the operation. A strong business plan and clear financial goals can help strengthen an application.

Planning a meeting with a lender to discuss your next purchase can feel overwhelming. At Farm Credit Mid-America, our team of financial experts is here to guide you through every stage of the loan application process.

For the Growing Forward^® program, applicants are typically asked to provide:

• The three most recent years of tax returns
• An up-to-date balance sheet
• A completed business plan

These documents help us better understand your operation, financial position and future goals so we can identify financing solutions that best fit your needs. Our team is available to answer questions and provide guidance throughout the process, helping you move forward with confidence.

Growing Forward^® combines financing opportunities with education, business planning, and ongoing support. Participants gain access to financial officers, business planning resources and Know to Grow^® educational events designed specifically for young and beginning farmers.

Know to Grow^® is an educational component of Growing Forward^® that provides learning opportunities, networking, and information designed specifically for young and beginning farmers as they develop their operations and leadership skills.

In addition to financing opportunities, Growing Forward^® provides access to business planning resources, financial education, Know to Grow^® events and guidance from Farm Credit Mid-America financial officers.

Yes. Eligible farmers may participate whether they are purchasing their first acres, already own farmland or are looking to grow an existing operation. Eligibility and financing options vary by individual circumstances.

Participants complete a business plan as part of the Growing Forward^® program. Business planning is a key component of the program and helps farmers evaluate goals, assess financial needs and prepare for future growth.

A business plan helps lenders understand your operation, goals, financial projections, management approach and repayment strategy. It demonstrates preparation and can help strengthen a financing application.

A farm business plan should outline your operation, production goals, financial projections, marketing strategy, management structure, and plans for growth. It should also demonstrate how the operation will generate income and manage expenses. Growing Forward^® participants complete a business plan as part of the program and have access to business plan templates and guidance throughout the process.

Know to Grow^® serves as the flagship educational conference for Growing Forward participants. Following attendance at Know to Grow^®, producers can further develop their skills and knowledge through Know to Thrive, our advanced Level II conference, and Know to Share, a conference dedicated to succession and transition planning.  In addition, we offer a variety of webinars throughout the year to provide continued education and support for agricultural producers.

Agricultural lenders understand the unique challenges and opportunities within farming. They can provide industry-specific expertise, financing solutions tailored to agricultural operations, and guidance on business planning, risk management, and long-term growth strategies. Through Growing Forward^®, participants also gain access to educational resources and support from experienced financial officers.

Yes, Farm Credit Mid America is in the Preferred Lender Program (PLP).  PLP is the highest status that a lender can hold in the FSA Guaranteed Farm Loan Program.  Being apart of the PLP program allows for our applications to have streamline submission requirements and decreased turn around time for decisions.   

Yes. Farm real estate financing can help farmers purchase agricultural land, refinance existing debt, expand current operations, or invest in additional acreage to support future growth.  Farm Credit Mid-America offers a variety of financing solutions, including fixed-rate real estate loans with terms ranging from 10 to 25 years, allowing you to choose a financing structure that aligns with your operation's goals and cash flow needs

Yes. Equipment financing can help farmers purchase new or used machinery, tractors, harvest equipment, irrigation systems, and other assets that support agricultural operations.

Financing needs vary by operation and project. In most cases, farmers utilize multiple financing solutions to support farmland purchases, equipment acquisitions, livestock herd expansions, and operating expenses. A financial officer can help determine the best financing structure based on your goals and circumstances.

Operating loans provide working capital for day-to-day farming expenses such as seed, feed, fertilizer, fuel, labor, and other seasonal costs that occur throughout the production cycle.

Yes. Livestock financing can help support the purchase of breeding stock, herd expansion and other expenses associated with animal agriculture operations.

Down payment requirements for farm real estate purchases vary depending on factors such as the loan term, the property being purchased, and your overall financial situation. In some cases, equity in existing real estate may be used to meet all or part of the down payment requirement. An experienced Farm Credit Mid-America financial officer can help you evaluate your options and determine the financing structure that best supports your goals.

Yes. We understand that farm income is often seasonal and cash flow can vary throughout the year. That's why we offer repayment options designed to fit your operation, including monthly, quarterly, semiannual, and annual payment schedules.  Not sure which repayment structure is right for you?  Our experienced financial officers can help you evaluate your cash flow, production cycle, and financial goals to determine a repayment schedule that works best for your operation.