AFBF Appreciates Actions to Modernize Farm Loan Program, More Work Needed

Smith: The USDA has announced several changes to its farm loan program as farmers face tighter margins and greater credit demand. Danny Munch, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, says the changes should help farmers access the program.

Munch: First, they're making a fast-track application process permanent for qualifying direct loan borrowers, which has already reduced processing time by about eight days in the pilot. They're also giving experienced lenders more authority to process guaranteed loans with less paperwork and fewer layers of review. They're also moving away from largely paper-based applications toward electric processing beginning 2027.

Smith: Munch said that while this is a great step toward modernization, the biggest remaining issue is increasing farm ownership and farm operating limits to make sure that reflects the actual cost of farming today.

Munch: Farmland values, equipment costs, production expenses have increased dramatically. The proposed farm bill would raise those limits to $850,000 and $750,000, respectively. It would also increase guaranteed loan limits and double the micro loan limit to $100,000. And there's real demand for those programs.

Smith: He said USDA can improve the loan process but needs Congress to actually increase loan limits through a farm bill.

Munch: They can cut paperwork at USDA, modernize technology, but it can't independently raise those limits without a federal law change. That's why the farm bill is so important. It gives Congress the opportunity to update those limits that actually reflect today's farm economy, and that's why we're hoping to get this farm bill across the finish line soon.

Smith: Stay tuned to fb.org for updates. Chad Smith, Washington.