Needing money for your farming operation this year? The USDA Farm Service Agency offers several loan options for farmers, from operating to farm storage.

Potential borrowers should submit their requests early so they can be processed in a timely manner. Your local FSA farm loan team can help determine which loan programs are best for applicants.

FSA offers a wide range of low-interest loans that can meet the financial needs of any farm operation for just about any purpose. The traditional farm operating and farm ownership loans can help large and small farm operations take advantage of early purchasing discounts for spring inputs, as well as for expenses throughout the year.

Microloans. This is a simplified loan program that will provide up to $50,000 to eligible applicants. These loans, targeted for smaller operations and nontraditional operations, can be used for operating expenses, starting a new agricultural enterprise, purchasing equipment, and other needs associated with a farming operation. Loans to beginning farmers and members of underserved groups are a priority.

Marketing assistance loans. These allow producers to use eligible commodities as loan collateral and obtain a nine-month loan while the crop is in storage. The loan provides cash flow to the producer and allows him or her to market the crop when prices may be more advantageous.

Farm storage facility loans. This loan can be used to build permanent structures used to store eligible commodities, or for storage and handling trucks, or portable or permanent handling equipment. A variety of structures are eligible under this loan, including bunker silos, grain bins, hay storage structures and refrigerated structures for vegetables and fruit. A producer may borrow up to $500,000 per loan.

Reach out to your local FSA county office with additional questions regarding FSA loans.