​You may be eligible for a Farm Credit Services reduced-rate loan if you meet one of the following criteria.

• You are 35 years old or younger and are actively farming or ranching.
• You have less than 10 years of experience farming.
• You normally generate less than $250,000 in gross revenues.

​Depending on your assets and qualifications, you may be eligible to borrow up to $500,000 (on reduced rates for up to 5 years) for such things as:

• Operating and machinery
• Real estate
• Refinancing on existing ag loans from another creditor

Farm Credit Services of Illinois also participates with the USDA Farm Service Agency in their farm purchase loan programs that are targeted towards beginning farmers. These programs provide for joint financing of farm purchases with 95% to 100% of combined financing. In addition to the low cash down payments, these joint financing programs provide favorable interest rates and loan terms that make farm purchases more affordable for beginning farmers.

Under the Farm Service Agency’s guaranteed loan program, Farm Credit Services has Preferred Lender status which enables a streamlined process for these loans.

For more information about these and other financing programs, contact your nearest Farm Credit office.