Statewide & Federal
Farm Service Agency (FSA) Toolkit
FSA’s direct and guaranteed loan programs are often the most accessible financing route for veteran and beginning farmers in New York.
What It Offers
- Direct Farm Ownership Loans up to $600,000 to purchase, expand, or improve a farm; Guaranteed loans up to roughly $2.3 million through a commercial lender.
- Beginning Farmer Down Payment Program - as little as 5% down on a land purchase.
- Microloans up to $50,000 for both ownership and operating needs, with simplified paperwork built for small and beginning operations.
- Operating loans for day-to-day costs - livestock, seed, equipment, and other essentials.
Veterans May Qualify for More
- FSA Microloans made to veterans don’t count against the limit on how many years you can borrow through FSA’s direct loan program.
- Direct loans normally require three years of farm management experience. Military leadership or management experience can count for one of those years.
- When loan money is tight and two applications arrive the same day, a veteran’s application gets preference.
- File form CCC-860 (veteran certification) to also get NAP fee waivers and higher ELAP payments. See all USDA veteran benefits.
How to Apply
- Find your county FSA office through the USDA Service Center Locator.
- Bring a farm business plan, financial history, and proof of farm management experience or education (an apprenticeship or relevant work history can count).
- Meet with a Farm Loan Officer to determine which loan type fits your operation - microloans have the fastest turnaround.
- Submit your application; direct loans require FSA to confirm you can't get comparable credit commercially (the "credit elsewhere" test).
Source: farmers.gov and USDA Farm Service Agency program pages. Loan limits and terms are set at the federal level and subject to change - confirm current figures with your local FSA office.
