USDA Announces October 2026 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for October 2026, which are effective Oct. 1, 2026. USDA Farm Service Agency (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 and 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.   

Interest rates for Operating and Ownership loans for October 2026 are as follows:        

• Farm Operating Loans (Direct): 5.375%  
• Farm Ownership Loans (Direct): 6.250%  
• Farm Ownership Loans (Direct, Joint Financing): 4.250%  
• Farm Ownership Loans (Down Payment): 2.250%
• 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 Toolon farmers.gov.