Farmer Mac Loans
Farm & Ranch Real Estate
Farmer Mac programs can include long-term fixed-rate options for purchases, refinances, and farm real estate transitions. We work with underwriters who work with Farmer Mac and other private funding sources.
AgLoans.com is not a bank or lender. Submitting information does not guarantee approval.
What Is a Farmer Mac Loan?
Farmer Mac (the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation), chartered by Congress in 1988, is a federally chartered secondary-market institution that purchases qualifying farm and ranch real estate loans from approved lenders. Borrowers do not apply directly to Farmer Mac — instead, they work with an approved lender who originates the loan to Farmer Mac's underwriting standards.
This structure gives approved lenders access to long-term funding for farm and ranch real estate loans, which can include fixed-rate options. The lender sets the rate, term, and structure of your loan.
AgLoans works with underwriters who work with Farmer Mac and other private funding sources. We handle intake and prepare your package so your file arrives complete and organized. Nothing goes to underwriting until you say it's ready to go.
$500K–$25M
Loan requests we review
Ag real estate
Helps secure the loan
All 50 states
Where we can help
1 business day
Typical time to hear from us
Who Farmer Mac Loans Are For
Farmer Mac financing suits established operators who prefer long-term certainty over their farm or ranch real estate debt.
Mid-Size to Large Farm/Ranch Owners
Operations with a clear productive track record and established income history are the strongest candidates for Farmer Mac programs.
Long-Term Fixed-Rate Seekers
Borrowers who want the certainty of a fixed payment over a long term, without rate-reset risk. The lender sets the available terms.
Purchase & Refinance Borrowers
Both acquisition and rate-and-term refinance transactions can be eligible. Cash-out refinances may also be possible on qualified properties with sufficient equity.
Loan Structures a Lender May Offer
Within Farmer Mac's program parameters, lenders offer a range of structures. The lender decides which structure, term, and loan-to-value apply to your loan. Common options include:
What Lenders Look At
Underwriting for Farmer Mac programs evaluates the full picture of the borrower and the property. The lender sets the requirements, and no single factor automatically decides approval or denial:
Credit History
Lenders review the full credit history, not just the score, with emphasis on any agricultural obligations.
Debt-Service Coverage
Farm income needs to cover the proposed debt payments with room to spare. The lender sets the required coverage.
Property Productivity
Lenders evaluate the land's income-generating history and capacity — soil quality, crop history, water access, and productivity ratings factor into appraisal and underwriting.
Equity & Down Payment
The lender sets the equity or down payment required. Stronger equity positions can help.
How the Process Works
Here's how the process flows through AgLoans. The lender sets the timeline for underwriting and closing.
Tell Us the Basics
Start your loan inquiry. Our team reviews your operation, financial position, and loan need to identify which Farmer Mac and private funding options may be worth exploring.
Formal Application & Package Preparation
If you choose to proceed, AgLoans helps prepare your borrower package — financials, property details, intended use — so the lender receives a complete file.
Lender Underwriting
Nothing goes to underwriting until you say it's ready to go. The lender underwrites the loan to Farmer Mac's standards, orders an appraisal, and reviews title and environmental.
Credit Decision & Closing
The lender decides whether to offer credit and on what terms. If approved and all conditions are met, the lender schedules closing and funding.
What You'll Need
To start your inquiry
- Whether you're buying or refinancing
- The property, and roughly what it's worth
- How much you want to borrow, and how you expect to repay
- Estimates are fine
Later, if you move forward
The formal application may ask for:
- Financial statements (balance sheet and income)
- Recent tax returns
- Current debts and annual payments
- Everyone who will borrow or guarantee the loan
- Property details (and the purchase contract, if buying)
The exact list depends on the lender and the program. Our team will tell you what's needed.
How AgLoans Helps
We work with underwriters who work with Farmer Mac and other private funding sources. We prepare the intake package and stay with you through the process.
Package Preparation
We help you organize and present your financials in the format lenders expect, which cuts down the back-and-forth.
Multiple Underwriters
We work with multiple underwriters to find you the best solution possible for your property type, region, and loan size.
With You Through Closing
Our team answers your questions and coordinates with the lender along the way. The lender sets the timeline.
For more context, see How AgLoans Works and our Farm Loan Calculator. You may also find our Farmland Purchase Loan page helpful for comparison.
Common Questions About Farmer Mac Loans
What is a Farmer Mac loan?
Farmer Mac (the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation) is a secondary-market entity that purchases qualifying farm and ranch loans from approved lenders. Borrowers don't apply directly to Farmer Mac — they work with an approved lender who originates the loan to Farmer Mac's standards. AgLoans works with underwriters who work with Farmer Mac and other private funding sources.
Is there a minimum loan size?
Yes. Our minimum thresholds are a loan amount of $500,000 or greater and agricultural real estate to help collateralize the loan. We review requests from $500,000 to $25 million.
What credit is needed for a Farmer Mac loan?
The lender sets the credit requirements and looks at the full picture — credit history, debt-service coverage, the property's productivity, and equity in the deal. Our team can tell you what the lender will want to see.
What loan terms are available through Farmer Mac?
Farmer Mac programs can include long-term fixed-rate options on farm and ranch real estate, with fully amortizing or balloon structures. The lender sets the rate, term, and structure for your loan.
How long does a Farmer Mac loan take to close?
The lender sets the closing timeline. It depends on appraisal scheduling, environmental review, title work, and how quickly the borrower returns requested documentation.
Will starting an inquiry affect my credit?
No. There's no credit pull to start. A credit check comes later in the process, and only after you check the box that authorizes it.
Who decides whether I'm approved?
The lender. AgLoans is not a lender. We prepare your information and work with underwriters; the lender reviews your formal application and decides whether to offer credit and on what terms. Nothing goes to underwriting until you say it's ready to go.
Ready to Explore Farmer Mac Financing?
Tell us the basics, and our team will help you explore Farmer Mac programs and other options.
Answer a few quick questions. It's free, there's no credit pull to start, and estimates are fine.
AgLoans.com is not a bank or lender. Submitting information does not guarantee approval.