Agriculture Business Loans & Farm Business Loans

Working capital built for how farms actually operate — seasonal revenue, front-loaded input costs, and equipment needs that don't wait for harvest. $10K–$500K, 24-hour decisions.

Apply for an Agriculture Loan Call (305) 384-8391

Reviewed by MFE Funding Team | Updated March 2026

$500KMax Loan Amount
24 hrApproval Decision
2–5Days to Fund
600+Min. Credit Score

TL;DR — Agriculture Business Loans at a Glance

The Financial Reality of Running a Farm Business in 2026

Front-Loaded Costs, Back-Loaded Revenue

Agriculture is one of the most capital-intensive industries in the United States. A mid-size corn and soybean operation farming 1,000 acres might spend $400,000–$600,000 on seed, fertilizer, crop protection, fuel, and labor before the first grain goes in the bin. That money goes out in March through June. Revenue comes back in October and November — if the market cooperates.

This 5–7 month gap between major expenses and major revenue is a structural feature of farming, not a sign of a failing business. But it means farms need access to capital that traditional banks — with their monthly income documentation and collateral requirements — often can't provide fast enough.

A corn farmer planting in April needs a loan approved in March. A strawberry grower in California needs labor financing in January for February harvest. The timing of agricultural capital needs doesn't fit neatly inside a 45-day bank approval window.

Rising Input Costs Squeeze Farm Cash Flow

Input costs have increased significantly over the past several years and remain elevated in 2026. Diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer runs $600–$750 per ton. Urea nitrogen prices hover around $450–$600 per ton. Anhydrous ammonia — the backbone of corn production — sits at $700–$900 per ton in most markets. Seed costs for genetically modified corn hybrids run $250–$350 per bag (covering 2.5 acres).

A 1,000-acre corn operation planting at 32,000 seeds per acre needs roughly 400 bags of seed — $100,000–$140,000 in seed alone before the field is planted. Add fertilizer at $200–$300 per acre and you're looking at $300,000–$440,000 in seed and fertilizer for a single crop season.

An agriculture business loan bridges this gap, allowing farms to purchase inputs at the right time rather than at the potentially worse prices that result from delaying until cash is on hand.

Who Uses MFE Agriculture Business Loans

Row Crop Operations

Corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, rice, and other commodity crops. Loans fund seed, fertilizer, herbicides, fuel, and harvest labor during the pre-revenue production window.

Fruit & Vegetable Farms

Orchards, berry farms, vegetable operations, and specialty produce. High labor intensity creates significant pre-harvest cash needs, especially for operations relying on seasonal labor crews.

Livestock & Dairy Operations

Cattle, hog, poultry, and dairy operations with ongoing feed and operational costs. Working capital loans cover feed purchases, veterinary care, and operational gaps in receivables.

Vineyards & Orchards

Wine grapes, table grapes, tree fruits, and nut orchards. Long production cycles (years from planting to first revenue) and high per-acre costs make working capital financing essential.

Greenhouses & Nurseries

Greenhouse growers, plant nurseries, and horticulture operations. See our dedicated nursery business loans page for more information specific to this sector.

Agribusiness & Processing

Farm-related businesses including feed stores, grain elevators, co-ops, and agricultural processing operations. Working capital loans support inventory, payroll, and seasonal demand fluctuations.

MFE's Agriculture Loan Products: Which One Fits Your Farm

No two farming operations are identical. MFE offers multiple products that can be used individually or in combination to meet your specific needs:

Working Capital Loan

A lump-sum loan with fixed repayment schedule. Best for known, discrete expenses like purchasing seed and fertilizer for a specific season.

  • $10,000 – $500,000
  • Fixed repayment terms
  • No collateral required
  • Use for any operating expense

Business Line of Credit

A revolving credit line you draw from as needed. Best for farms with ongoing, variable expenses throughout the growing season.

  • Draw and repay repeatedly
  • Only pay interest on what you use
  • Ideal for managing cash flow gaps
  • Renews as you repay

Equipment Financing

Secured financing for tractors, combines, irrigation systems, and other farm machinery. See our dedicated farm equipment financing page.

  • Equipment serves as collateral
  • Preserves working capital
  • New and used equipment
  • Up to $500,000

Revenue Based Financing

Capital repaid through fixed daily or weekly ACH payments tied to business performance. Works well for farms with steady, predictable revenue streams.

  • Flexible repayment tied to revenue
  • No fixed monthly payment
  • Good for CSA and direct-to-consumer farms
  • Fast funding once approved

What Can You Use a Farm Business Loan For?

  • Seed and genetics purchases before planting
  • Fertilizer and soil amendment inputs
  • Herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides
  • Fuel for equipment and farm operations
  • Seasonal labor wages and benefits
  • Irrigation water costs
  • Crop insurance premiums
  • Equipment repairs and maintenance
  • Livestock feed and veterinary expenses
  • Storage and handling costs
  • Marketing and direct sales infrastructure
  • Expansion into new crops or acreage
  • Cash flow gaps between harvest payments
  • Operating expenses during slow seasons
What Farm Business Loans Cannot Be Used For:

MFE's working capital products are not designed for real estate purchases, purchasing farm land, or refinancing existing real estate mortgages. For equipment specifically, our equipment financing product is the right tool. For real estate, you would need to work with an agricultural real estate lender.

How to Apply for an Agriculture Business Loan

1
Complete the Online Application — takes about 10 minutes. We'll ask about your business structure, how long you've been farming, annual revenue, and what you need the funds for. Start the application here.
2
Submit Bank Statements — 3–6 months of business bank statements. This is how we verify your farm's revenue and understand cash flow patterns. For seasonal operations, the more months you provide, the better we can assess your operation.
3
Decision Within 24 Hours — our agriculture lending team reviews your application, often issuing a decision the same business day. If approved, we'll send you an offer with terms and repayment structure.
4
Review and Accept — review the offer, ask questions, and accept if it works for your operation. No pressure — we want the financing to work for your specific farm, not just get paper signed.
5
Funds in Your Account — after final documentation, funds are deposited directly into your business bank account. Most farmers receive funds within 2–5 business days of approval.

What You'll Need

  • Completed online application
  • 3–6 months business bank statements
  • Business formation documents
  • Voided business check
  • Valid government-issued ID
  • Basic revenue information

Additional documentation may be requested for larger loan amounts or complex operations. Our team will walk you through anything needed after the initial application.

Frequently Asked Questions: Agriculture Business Loans

What are agriculture business loans used for?

Agriculture business loans can be used for seed and crop inputs, fertilizer, pesticides, labor costs during planting and harvest, equipment repairs, livestock purchases, operating expenses between harvests, and any other working capital need. They are distinct from equipment financing, which is tied to a specific asset purchase.

How do farm business loans handle seasonal cash flow?

MFE structures farm business loans with an understanding that agricultural revenue is seasonal. Rather than requiring equal monthly payments year-round, we work with farms to create repayment structures that align with harvest cycles and seasonal cash flow patterns.

What is the minimum revenue required to qualify for an agriculture business loan?

MFE works with farms generating at least $10,000 per month in average gross revenue. We look at annualized figures for seasonal operations, so a farm grossing $200,000 during a 6-month season would qualify.

Can I get a farm business loan with bad credit?

MFE works with farms across a range of credit profiles. While a minimum credit score applies (generally 600+), we weight revenue, time in business, and overall business health heavily. Credit-challenged farms may qualify with strong revenue and banking history.

How is an agriculture business loan different from an MCA?

An agriculture business loan provides a fixed lump sum with a defined repayment schedule. A merchant cash advance provides a lump sum repaid through a percentage of daily business revenue. Loans work better for farms with predictable revenue; MCAs work better for businesses with steady daily card or ACH transactions.

What types of farms qualify for MFE's agriculture business loans?

MFE works with row crop farms, vegetable and fruit farms, livestock and dairy operations, poultry farms, orchards, vineyards, nurseries, greenhouses, and mixed-use agricultural businesses. The key requirement is an established business with documentable revenue.

How quickly can I get funded with an agriculture business loan?

After submitting a complete application with bank statements, most agriculture business loans receive a decision within 24 hours. Funding is typically completed within 2–5 business days.

Can I use an agriculture business loan to buy land?

MFE's agriculture business loans are intended for working capital and operational needs, not real estate acquisition. For equipment purchases, our equipment financing product is better suited. Land purchases typically require specialized agricultural real estate lenders.

Get the Capital Your Farm Operation Needs

Apply now for an agriculture business loan. Decision in 24 hours, funds in 2–5 business days.

Apply for an Agriculture Loan

Funding Options Comparison

Product Type Funding Range Timeline Key Requirements
Working Capital K - 0K 24-48 hours 6 months in business, K+/month revenue
Merchant Cash Advance K - 0K 24-72 hours 3 months in business, K+/month revenue
Line of Credit K - 0K 48-72 hours 1 year in business, K+/month revenue
Equipment Financing K - 0K 3-5 days 6 months in business, equipment purchase

Why Choose Merchant Fund Express

Expertise: Our team includes certified funding specialists with years of experience helping businesses access capital.

Trust & Transparency: We're committed to transparent lending practices with no hidden fees or surprise terms.

Fast Approvals: Our streamlined process provides decisions within 24 hours in most cases.

Flexible Solutions: We work with you to customize funding solutions that match your specific business needs and cash flow.