The Farm Service Agency with the U.S. Department of Agriculture states 2017 was a near-record year for farm loans.

Across the country farm families accessed nearly $6 billion in new credit and FSA assisted more than 120,000 family farmers with loans totaling over $25 billion. There is a variety of loan assistance including direct and guaranteed farm ownership loans, operating loans, and direct microloans up to $50,000. Over 4,200 beginning farmers received direct farm ownership loans through FSA to make their first land purchase.

Iowa State University Extension offers guidance through the Beginning Farmer Center.