Googling “farm credit loan requirements”?
If you’ve been scouring the internet for different farm credit loan requirements and programs, you’re probably pretty worn out. It’s likely that you have come across programs that don’t serve farmers, even if they say they do.
Or maybe everything is working out until you get to the third line of requirements and have to self-disqualify.
At United Ag Lending, we specialize in all types of ag loans. This allows us to see your situation and our program capabilities from a bird’s eye view, and fully customize the program based on what we learn.
As long as you meet our minimum requirements—which are much more flexible than traditional lenders’—your operation has the green light.
Scenarios we process loans for
Farmers come to us for a few different reasons. If you’re looking to do any of the following, we can help.
- Buy a commercial farm, hobby farm, ranch, some agricultural land, or a rural home
- Add on to existing property
- Refinance an existing loan
Industries we serve
In order to give you an idea of the kind of industries we serve as a premier ag lender, here is just a portion of the types of farms we’ve supported:
- Dairy
- Cattle, bison, and hog
- Avocado
- Almond
- Wheat, hay, and corn
- Orange and blueberry
- Soybean
- Vineyards
This isn’t an all-inclusive list; we have served various industries and will continue to learn more about the industries our clients bring to us. Our favorite part of the loan process is meeting clients and learning about their goals and plans for their operation.
Your one-of-a-kind operation
One thing we can’t stress enough is how individual each farming operation is. Even two operations in the same industry can be completely different.
If the farm credit loan requirements you’ve read elsewhere don’t seem to fit your unique operation, allow the loan experts at United Ag Lending to help.
Farm credit loan requirements at United Ag Lending
Just like any loan provider, we have to set some requirements in place. Our primary mission, though, is to offer premier loan options that break down traditional loan barriers.
Our requirements aren’t designed to exclude farmers who need support. They are simply designed to support farmers and operations that best align with our programs.
If you don’t meet the farm loan requirements, we’re happy to offer advice on how you can make adjustments and work toward reapplying in the future.
Loan requirements checklist
◻️ Property will have commercial use
◻️ Property is agricultural in nature
◻️ $500,000 minimum loan amount
◻️ 10 acreage minimum
◻️ 680 minimum credit score
If all of your boxes are checked here, you’re in good shape to start the loan process. If you have specific questions about any of the requirements, call us and a representative will help you out.
Step 1: Consultation
The first step to securing your farm loan is meeting with us for an initial consultation. If you’ve done prior research on farm credit loans, you’re ahead of the curve.
Come prepared
You probably know that the better prepared you are for our initial meeting, the smoother the process will go. In order to set the tone for your loan process, gather some information about your operation—or future operation—and spendings.
Identify goals and plans
The most important piece we look for is the purpose of your future farm. For our farm credit loan requirements, we’re looking to support commercial operations.
Consider these questions:
- What do you want your operation to focus on?
- What are you planning to sell?
- Do you still need machinery or other equipment to run your operation?
- What loan amount will you need?
- How do you plan to use the funds?
- What do you project your farm to be like in a year or two?
Keep and compile records
After (or while) developing your farm plans, make sure you compile any records that’ll help build your case. This includes any income expenses of a current operation and/or even current living expenses.
You don’t have to be an expert at spreadsheets to keep track of spendings and income as long as your record-keeping method is legible.
If you’re not already keeping track of those records, it’s time to start. Having these accessible records shows us that you’re dedicated to securing a loan and furthering your operation. We resonate with farmers who are passionate and enthusiastic about their plans.
Step 2: Recommendations and Application
If you aren’t prepared at the consultation, then make sure you have everything in order for step 2.
Step 2 is the part where you bring all of the records and documents you may not have brought during the consultation.
During this second meeting, we will gain an understanding of your financial situation, present some different financing options, and talk you through some of the benefits of our programs. Our programs offer many benefits.
Document checklist
These are the documents and records we’re going to want to see during this step:
◻️ Balance sheet (if applicable)
◻️ 2 to 3 years of tax returns
◻️ Bank statements
◻️ Asset information (stocks, retirement account, etc.)
◻️ Pay stubs
◻️ YTD profit and loss statement (if applicable)
◻️ Driver’s license or government ID
Finalize terms
Once we have all of this information, your loan experts will work together to customize a program that best meets your plans, all the way from the industry you’re in down to farm loan rates.
When we finalize the terms for your loan and you look them over, we welcome any questions on anything you need clarification about.
At United Ag Lending, we value transparency with our clients and want you to feel fully comfortable with your program. So if you don’t feel comfortable, we aren’t doing our job correctly. Let us know if you need any adjustments.
Otherwise, if the terms look good to you, we’ll move forward and get you one step closer to your new (or improved) commercial operation.
Consider hiring an ag accountant
As a farmer, you’re likely a hands-on person who would rather be in the field than crunching numbers behind a computer screen. You have a plan and you know exactly what you want it to look like, but maybe you need help executing it.
Hiring an agricultural accountant could help take a lot of the weight off you during the loan process. They can accompany you during all of our meetings and help break down the financials.
Having ag loan providers and an ag accountant on your side simplifies things. But, even if we’re the only support you have, we swear to make the process as simple as possible.
Loan closing
Once we make it through the paperwork, approval, and appraisal processes, we’ll let you know the final steps we need from you to officially close.
Step 3: A Continued Resource
Once the loan is in your hands, you can use the funds to start growing your operation. If you have questions or need any advice, the experts at United Ag Lending are here to help.
Our process isn’t one-and-done; we value being a continued resource for all of our clients—however long they need us.
Call us or send us a message anytime you need.
If you want to check in with us a couple times a year, you’re welcome to do that. We’re always interested in seeing where our clients are on their journey.
Frequently asked questions
These are the common questions our ag experts answer about farm credit loan requirements.
How do I know if I qualify for a farm loan?
You more than likely qualify for a loan with us if you:
- Meet the minimum loan amount of $500K
- Have a 680 or greater credit score
- Meet the 10+ acreage requirement
If you’re ready to get started or want to clarify your qualifications, contact us. One of our experienced loan officers would be happy to help.
Do I need to get pre-approved for a loan before looking for land?
We recommend getting pre-approved before finding the land you want.
Can United Ag Lending provide loans for operations, equipment, or livestock?
No. United Ag Lending does not offer loans for farming operations, purchase of equipment, or the purchase of livestock. We offer land loans as well as full time farm loans.
Can I combine multiple parcels of land into one loan?
Yes, we can finance multiple parcels of land together, whether they are contiguous or not.
How long are your terms for financing land?
We can finance land and farms up to 30 years on a fixed-rate loan with no early payoff penalty. We also offer many other loan terms to fit your financial needs.
Are you qualified? Take the next step
At United Ag Lending, we honor farmers by finding the best financial solution that matches their operation plans and outlook. Our loan officers will work with you to provide personalized recommendations and continued support throughout the loan process and beyond.
Call us or send us a message: let’s get your operation up and running.
States we serve: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
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