Know exactly what's coming.
No fine print. No runaround. Every step, every question, answered straight.
QUESTIONS
About the loans.
Is this a government program? Are you the USDA?
The loans are a government program — the USDA's Farm Service Agency is the actual lender. But we're not the government. Funded Farmers is a private consulting service, not affiliated with or endorsed by the USDA or any agency. We prepare and submit your application; the FSA makes every lending decision.
Is this a grant? Free money?
No — it's a loan, and you repay it. But you repay it on farmer terms: government-set rates well below a bank's, one to seven years, and payments scheduled around your production cycle. The program is built around how farming actually works.
How much can I borrow?
Direct Operating Loans go up to $400,000. Microloans — a simpler version of the same program, with lighter paperwork and more flexible experience requirements — go up to $50,000. What fits your operation is exactly what we figure out together.
What does the FSA actually look for?
Not perfect applicants — real farmers with a workable plan. In plain terms: you're actually farming; you can show you know your craft; you couldn't get reasonable credit from a bank; your operation's numbers can cover the loan payment on paper; your credit history is reasonable — it's not a score cutoff, they look at how you handle your debts; and you have land secured, owned or leased. If you read that list and thought "that's me," you're who this program was built for.
What can the money be used for?
The everyday costs of farming: equipment, seed, livestock, supplies, labor, land rent, family living expenses, and refinancing certain farm debts.
What are the rates and terms?
Rates are set by the government — not the market — and typically run well below what any bank, credit card, or equipment lender offers. Terms run from 12 months up to 7 years, and payments are scheduled around your production cycle: when your crop sells, not on a rigid monthly clock. We'll go over current rates on your call.
My bank turned me down. Does that hurt my chances?
The opposite — it's literally who this program is for. FSA direct loans exist for farmers who can't get reasonable credit elsewhere. No perfect credit score required, no wealthy co-signer. The FSA looks at your whole operation, not just a number. A bank's no doesn't mean the FSA's no.
WORKING TOGETHER
About working with us.
What do you charge?
A percentage of your funded loan, due only when the money is actually disbursed. If you don't get funded, you don't owe the fee. We go over exact numbers on your call, before you commit to anything.
Can you guarantee I'll be approved?
No. And be careful with anyone who says they can. Every lending decision belongs to the FSA. What we do is make your application complete, organized, and as strong as your operation allows — so it never stalls or gets set aside for missing paperwork.
Couldn't I just apply on my own?
You can. The FSA takes applications directly from farmers, free, and your local office can help. What we sell is time and completeness — the forms, the business plan, the projections, and the follow-through, so you can keep farming. A lot of our clients started on their own and came to us when the paperwork stalled out.
What do you need from me?
Mostly records you already have — financial history, production records, and the story of your operation. We tell you exactly what to send. Then we do the rest.
How long does the whole thing take?
Building the application: usually a few weeks. FSA review: varies by office and season. Complete applications move fastest — that's the point of us.
THE CALL
About the call.
What happens on the call?
Thirty minutes, give or take. You tell us about your farm and what the money would do. We tell you if the program fits, how the process works, and exactly what our fee would be. Then you decide. No pressure either way.
Who will I talk to?
Ozzy — the founder, and the person who actually builds your application. No call center, no handoffs.
Do I need to prepare anything?
No documents needed yet. It helps to know your rough numbers — acres, revenue, what you owe — but ballpark is fine.
What if I'm not a fit?
Then we'll tell you that on the call, and point you in a better direction if we can. We only take on farmers we believe we can get funded — our fee depends on it.
Still wondering if you qualify?
The fastest way to find out takes about two minutes.