Buying a working farm? Look beyond a home mortgage.

A place for a garden and a business that produces farm income can lead to very different financing conversations. Start by describing what you will actually do on the property.

Farm ownership financing

USDA’s Farm Service Agency offers direct and guaranteed Farm Ownership Loans for eligible agricultural operations. Potential uses include purchasing farmland, constructing farm buildings and improving infrastructure. Applicants must meet program requirements, including repayment ability and relevant management qualifications. Prepare to discuss your financial history and farm business plan with FSA.

Conservation project assistance

NRCS’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) offers technical and financial assistance to eligible agricultural producers and non-industrial forest managers. Applications are accepted year-round, but eligibility, ranking and funding decisions still apply. Work with a conservation planner on the resource concern and proposed practice. This is project assistance, not a general home-purchase grant.

A better funding plan

• Separate the land purchase, equipment, operating expenses and conservation work into budgets.
• Ask which expenses and applicants each program covers.
• Confirm application cutoffs and whether starting work before a contract affects eligibility.
• Ask when money is paid and what records or ongoing commitments are required.

Get program confirmation before treating any potential award as available cash.

Official sources & next steps

• USDA FSA · Farm ownership loans
• USDA NRCS · Apply for EQIP

Checked October 2, 2026. Program funding, eligibility and local requirements can change. Confirm details with the administering agency or qualified professional before making a financial or property decision.