Loan interest rates announced for 2026

Spring is here, and farm implements dot the rural landscape everywhere we look. Optimism is in the air as best practices are performed to maximize the crop benefit. The Farm Service Agency wishes our producers a safe, productive and profitable 2026 spring planting season.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced loan interest rates for April 2026, which are effective April 1. FSA loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.

Operating, ownership, emergency loans

FSA offers farm operating, ownership and emergency loans with favorable interest rates and terms to help eligible agricultural producers obtain financing needed to start, expand or maintain a family agricultural operation.

The interest rates for operating and ownership loans for April 2026 are as follows:

— Farm operating loans (direct): 4.750%.

— Farm ownership loans (direct): 5.750%.

— Farm ownership loans (direct, joint financing): 3.750%.

— Farm ownership loans (down payment): 1.750%.

— Emergency loan (amount of actual loss): 3.750%.

FSA also offers guaranteed loans through commercial lenders at rates set by those lenders. To access an interactive online, step-by-step guide through the farm loan process, visit the loan assistance tool on farmers.gov.

Commodity, storage facility loans

Additionally, FSA provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade on-farm storage facilities and purchase handling equipment and loans that provide interim financing to help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are low. Funds for these loans are provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation and are administered by FSA.

— Commodity loans (less than one year disbursed): 4.625%.

— Farm Storage Facility Loans: three-year loan terms, 3.625%; five-year loan terms, 3.750%; seven-year loan terms, 3.875%; ten-year loan terms, 4.125%; and twelve-year loan terms, 4.375%.

To learn more about FSA programs, producers can contact their local USDA service center. Additionally, producers can use online tools, such as the loan assistance tool and debt consolidation tool to explore loan options.

Maps for acreage reporting available

Maps are now available at your local county FSA office for acreage reporting purposes. If you wish to receive your maps by email, please call your office or email. To maintain program eligibility and benefits, you must file timely acreage reports. Failure to file an acreage report by the crop acreage reporting deadline may cause ineligibility for future program benefits. FSA will not accept acreage reports provided more than a year after the acreage reporting deadline. Producers are encouraged to file their acreage reports as soon as planting is completed.

Environmental review required before project implementation

The National Environmental Policy Act requires federal agencies to consider all potential environmental impacts for federally funded projects before the project is approved.

For all FSA programs, an environmental review must be completed before actions are approved, such as site preparation or ground disturbance. These programs include, but are not limited to, the Emergency Conservation Program, Farm Storage Facility Loan program and farm loans.

If project implementation begins before FSA has completed an environmental review, the request will be denied. Although there are exceptions regarding the Stafford Act and emergencies, it’s important to wait until you receive written approval of your project proposal before starting any actions. Applications cannot be approved until FSA has copies of all permits and plans.

Contact your local FSA office early in your planning process to determine what level of environmental review is required for your program application so that it can be completed timely.

New cropland or pasture leases?

Just a quick reminder, if you have rented new land or purchased land, please let FSA know as soon as possible. A copy of the lease or recorded ownership deed is required. This will save you time later when you would rather be on the tractor.

Most importantly, make safety your number one priority this spring. Be proud of what you have accomplished this year. We certainly are proud of you.

Farm Service Agency is an equal opportunity lender. Complaints about discrimination should be sent to: Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, D.C., 20250. Visit www.fsa.usda.gov for application forms and updates on USDA programs.