Montana Rural Assistance Loan Program: Up to $75,000 for Ag Producers

What is the Montana Rural Assistance Loan Program?

The Montana Department of Agriculture runs this program specifically for agricultural producers who can't get a loan through a conventional bank or lender. If your net worth is under $450,000 and a commercial lender has passed on your application, this program is designed for you. Loans go up to $75,000 and are made at up to 80% of collateral value.

Applications are reviewed at the local level by a two-member committee before the Montana Department of Agriculture makes the final call. That local review is a meaningful feature since people familiar with your area and your kind of operation are part of the process.

Program Details

The program explicitly lists eligible uses:

• Livestock

• Farm machinery including cattle handling equipment

• Agricultural improvements such as barns or irrigation systems

• Annual operating expenses

• Agricultural land

Key Facts

• Program: Rural Assistance Loan Program

• Agency: Montana Department of Agriculture

• Maximum loan amount: Up to $75,000 per individual

• Loan-to-value: Up to 80% of collateral value

• Net worth limit: $450,000 (including spouse and minor children)

• Deadline: Not specified. Contact the Montana Department of Agriculture for current availability

Who Qualifies

• Montana resident, 18 years of age or older

• Unable to qualify for financing from commercial lenders

• Net worth (including spouse and minor children) does not exceed $450,000

• The proposed activity must demonstrate positive cash flow and net worth

What Covers

Net worth eligibility is set at under $450,000, and that figure includes your spouse and minor children. If you're under that threshold and can't get conventional financing, you meet the basic financial eligibility requirements. Your proposed activity also needs to show positive cash flow and net worth.

Application window 

• Applications go through a local two-member committee first, then receive final approval from the Montana Department of Agriculture. The program documentation doesn't specify exact turnaround times, so it's worth contacting the Montana Department of Agriculture directly after submitting for status updates.

• No specific deadline has been published for this program. It appears to operate on a rolling basis. Check the Montana Department of Agriculture Grants Portal or the program application documents for the most current information.

How to Apply for Montana Rural Assistance Loan Program

The Montana Department of Agriculture provides three documents you'll want to review and complete:

1. Rural Assistance Loan Application Form — the primary application PDF

2. Loan Terms and Local Loan Committee Info — explains the terms and the local review process

3. Additional Requirements — outlines supporting documents and other requirements

You can also browse other Montana Department of Agriculture loan and grant programs at the Montana Department of Agriculture Grants Portal.

Need Help Planning Your Next Ranch Upgrade?

If you’re applying for Montana Rural Assistance Loan Program and looking at cattle handling equipment, livestock flow improvements, or ranch infrastructure upgrades, Arrowquip can help you plan the right next step for your operation.