USDA updates January 2025 loan rates

Jan 03, 2025
By Farms.com

Accessible loans to support farmers’ needs

The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has unveiled its January 2025 loan interest rates, offering critical financial support to farmers and ranchers. These programs aim to provide accessible funding for operational expansion, disaster recovery, and infrastructure development.

“I encourage our lenders and borrowers alike to work with our local offices and our cooperators to capitalize fully on the existing flexibilities offered through these important programs,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux.

Loan Programs and Rates The new rates include:

Direct Farm Operating Loans: 5.125%

Direct Farm Ownership Loans: 5.625%

Emergency Loans: 3.750%

In addition, Commodity and Storage Facility Loans are available for infrastructure projects, with rates starting at 4.125% for three-year terms.

Program Improvements:

FSA has introduced tools like the Loan Assistance Tool and Online Loan Application to streamline the process for farmers. These platforms provide step-by-step guidance, electronic signatures, and tailored support.

Since the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, USDA has provided over $2.5 billion to support distressed borrowers. Farmers can access detailed resources and applications at their local USDA Service Centers or online at fsa.usda.gov.

The USDA remains committed to helping America’s agricultural community thrive through accessible loans and innovative solutions.

Video: Case CE’s Big Motor Grader Bet: Meet the 325-HP GR935

Case Construction Equipment has joined forces with South African heavy equipment manufacturer Bell Equipment to bring its largest motor grader ever to market, the 325-horsepower, 51,209-pound GR935.

The three-model GR Series lineup will be rounded out by the GR925 and GR930. While full specifications have not been released, Case indicated that the models would range from 240 to 325 horsepower. Deliveries of the new graders are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.

To get a closer look at the GR935 motor grader and a complete overview of the GR Series lineup, check out Equipment World’s video above with Case CE Product Manager George MacIntyre from ConExpo earlier this year.

Case CE GR935 Motor Grader Overview

The GR935 is powered by a 325-horsepower Cummins engine paired with a continuous variable transmission (CVT) enabling consistent power delivery and smooth operation for heavy road construction, snow removal, maintenance, site preparation and government applications, Case says.

Electro-hydraulic controls or traditional mechanical control are available. The 6X6 all-wheel-drive GR935 features a hydrostatic system with a dedicated pump and motor on each front wheel, allowing the machine to more easily maintain a constant rate of speed. The top forward travel speed is 28 mph.

An optional blade impact system prevents damage to the moldboard if it hits an obstacle, such as a curb or manhole.

Case CE will have the exclusive distribution across the United States and Canada for the GR925, GR930 and GR935 models manufactured at Bell Equipment facilities. The GR Series graders join Case’s existing D Series lineup, which includes the 137-horsepower 836D and 173-horsepower 856D launched in 2025.