Loan
Montana Beginning Farm/Ranch Loan Program
Montana Department of Agriculture (Montana Agriculture Loan Authority)
What you can get
$558,000 for agricultural land and improvements; no more than $125,000 for depreciable agricultural property, of which no more than $62,500 for used property • No minimum loan amount. Lender makes the credit evaluation and sets terms with the borrower.
- Readiness
- Prep docs first
- Who can apply
- producer, Beginning farmers/ranchers (first time producers) who are Montana residents
- Coverage
- MT
- Deadline & timing
- Official page (checked 2026-09-30): "There is no formal or defined application period. The loan program is ongoing, therefore an application may be submitted at any time." Application requires the application form, current financial statement, background letter and a non-refundable $50 application fee.
- Eligibility
- Tax-exempt bond program: the beginning farmer's lender (or a seller on contract) obtains a federally tax-exempt bond through the department, lowering the interest rate. Applicant must be at least 18, a first-time producer, net worth not to exceed $450,000, a Montana resident when the bond is issued, with documented training/experience; may not have previously owned any substantial amount of farm/ranch land. Funds may be used to purchase agricultural land, improvements and depreciable agricultural property.
Optional expert service · $249
Turn program research into an application package.
An eligibility screen for one farm, a shortlist of up to three relevant programs, and draft practice justifications and a document checklist for one selected application. Delivered within 7 business days after intake.
Last verified Oct 1, 2026. Always confirm current terms and deadlines on the official site before applying.
Plan your next step
Run a quick soil assessment or ask an agronomist how this program fits your fields.