The U.S. Department of Agriculture is making permanent its Application Fast Track process for farm and ranch loans, effective October 1, 2026, according to the agency.
The process gives low-risk direct loan applicants with a proven track record of repayment a faster path through the loan approval process. The USDA said the change is designed to speed up credit access when timing matters for agricultural producers.
The USDA also expanded the improvements to loans made through private lenders. The Farm Service Agency partners with banks, credit unions, farm credit organizations, and other commercial lenders that make loans while the FSA guarantees a portion of each loan to offset some of the lender's risk.