Why farming finance needs a specialist approach

Farming faces unique financial pressures: seasonal income, volatile commodity prices, high upfront capital for machinery and land, and timing of subsidies or grant payments. Generic business lenders often don’t understand agricultural cashflows or the practicalities of herd and crop cycles. Specialist lenders and brokers tailor terms to those realities — for example, seasonal repayment schedules, asset-backed equipment finance, and loans that consider subsidy timing.

Common sector pain points:

• Variable income across seasons and years
• Large up-front costs for tractors, combines and buildings
• Working capital gaps between input spend and sales
• Need to finance diversification (e.g., agritourism) or sustainability upgrades

What funding can cover for UK farms

Through our panel of lenders and brokers you can access finance for a wide range of farming needs. We help match you to providers who specialise in agricultural lending so you get relevant options quickly.

Working capital

Short-term facilities to smooth seasonal cashflow, buy seed/feed, or cover labour peaks.

Livestock and stock purchases

Finance for buying breeding stock, store cattle or replacement animals without depleting cash reserves.

Equipment and machinery

Asset finance and hire-purchase for tractors, trailers, combines, milking parlours and specialist kit.

Land, buildings & site upgrades

Funding for sheds, slurry stores, irrigation systems and farmyard improvements.

Diversification & sustainability projects

Loans for B&B conversions, holiday lets, renewable energy installations (solar, biomass), EV chargers and insulation upgrades.

Compare farming finance options

Different products suit different needs. Below is a quick comparison to help you decide what’s appropriate.

Each option has trade-offs between cost, term and security. Our matches focus on providers who understand your farm’s activities so you receive relevant quotes.

How Fast Business Loans helps farmers secure funding

We make the search fast and focused. Our process is simple:

1. Complete our short enquiry form — it takes around 2 minutes and is not a loan application.
2. We match your business to suitable lenders and brokers who specialise in agriculture.
3. Selected partners contact you with options and bespoke quotes.
4. You compare offers and choose the partner you want to proceed with.

Free Eligibility Check — quick, no obligation. Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender. We pass details to lenders/brokers so they can assess and respond.

Eligibility snapshot: what lenders look for

While criteria vary by lender and product, the following are commonly assessed:

• Trading history: Many lenders prefer established farm businesses, but some specialist providers support limited trading history if the plan is strong.
• Turnover & cashflow: Demonstrable income to support repayments — seasonal cycles are considered.
• Credit profile: Lenders review business and director credit; adverse credit is not always a blocker with the right lender.
• Collateral & assets: Land, buildings or equipment can improve terms and increase borrowing capacity.
• Sector experience: Lenders prefer operators with relevant farming knowledge and management capability.

Loans through our platform generally start from £10,000 and upwards.

Documents & information to prepare

Having the right paperwork speeds the process. Typical documents include:

• Last 12 months business bank statements
• Management accounts and/or statutory accounts
• Cashflow projections (seasonal where relevant)
• Details of assets to be financed (valuations/specs)
• Evidence of grants/subsidies if relevant
• Business plan for diversification projects

Rates, fees & repayment considerations

Costs vary by lender, product and security. Typical considerations:

• Rate range: Agricultural loans and asset finance may carry APRs from low single digits up to higher depending on risk; specialist lenders price for sector complexity. Figures are illustrative — get personalised quotes.
• Fixed vs variable: Fixed repayments provide certainty; variable rates can move with market changes.
• Seasonal repayments: Many lenders can structure repayments around harvest or livestock sale times.
• Fees: Arrangement, valuation or broker fees may apply — these should be disclosed by the lender/broker in their quote.

Illustrative figures only; brokers and lenders provide bespoke quotes after assessing your circumstances.

Boosting your chances of approval

Improve outcomes by:

• Presenting clear, recent accounts and a realistic cashflow forecast.
• Explaining seasonal income drivers and mitigation plans for bad years.
• Using independent asset valuations for high-value equipment.
• Demonstrating management experience or bringing in advisors where needed.
• Considering appropriate security (equipment or property) where possible.

Get Quote Now — we’ll match you to specialist partners who understand agricultural lending.

Case snapshot: matching a mixed farm to the right lender

A mixed livestock and arable farm needed a new combine and seasonal working capital for seed. Their accountant prepared 12 months’ management accounts and a three-year cashflow showing peak sales in Q3. Fast Business Loans matched them with an asset finance specialist for the combine (HP over 5 years) and a seasonal overdraft from a lender experienced in agricultural cycles. Outcome: combined finance within three weeks, repayments aligned to harvest receipts, and no disruption to operations. This example is anonymised and for illustration only.

When to consider alternative or supplementary funding

Sometimes a single product isn’t enough. Consider:

• Bridging finance for urgent purchases, paired with longer-term refinancing once revenue is received.
• Combining asset finance with a revolving facility for short-term gaps.
• Exploring government grants or DEFRA support for specific projects — these can be used alongside commercial loans. (See DEFRA for current schemes.)

Why UK farmers choose Fast Business Loans

• Sector-focused matching — we prioritise partners with agricultural experience.
• Fast responses — most enquiries receive an initial contact quickly.
• No obligation and free to use — an enquiry does not commit you to borrow.
• Secure handling of your data and selective sharing only with relevant partners.
• We help you compare realistic options so you can choose the best path.

For more sector insight and to compare products, read our pillar on farming loans.

Ready to explore your options?

Start with a quick enquiry — it takes around two minutes, does not affect your credit score, and is not a loan application. We’ll match you with lenders and brokers who can provide tailored quotes for your farm.

Start Your Free Eligibility Check

Farming Finance FAQs

Are seasonal repayment plans available?

Yes — many agricultural lenders can structure repayments to align with harvest or sale cycles. Specific terms depend on product and lender.

What minimum or maximum loan amounts are available?

Through our partners you can access funding from around £10,000 up to several million depending on security, purpose and lender capacity.

Can start-up farms or new enterprises apply?

Some specialist lenders and brokers will consider limited trading history if the business plan and projected cashflows are strong. We’ll match you to partners suited to start-up or expanding operations.

Will submitting an enquiry affect credit?

No — completing our enquiry form does not impact your credit score. Lenders may carry out credit checks only if you choose to proceed with a specific offer.

How quickly can funds be released after approval?

Timescales vary: asset finance can complete in days to weeks; larger secured loans may take longer due to valuations and legal work. Your matched lender/broker will provide specific timings.

What if the farm has had a poor trading year?

Adverse trading years can make borrowing harder but not impossible. Specialist lenders may consider mitigation plans, collateral or supportive documentation — we’ll match you with partners experienced in these situations.

Important information & disclaimers

Fast Business Loans acts as an introducer — we do not provide loans or financial advice. Submitting an enquiry is not a loan application; it simply enables us to match your business with likely lenders or brokers. Eligibility, terms and lending decisions are the responsibility of the lender/broker you choose to proceed with. All finance is subject to status and lender criteria. Consider independent professional advice where appropriate and ensure any borrowing is affordable for your business.

Fast Business Loans supports enquiries for business finance from £10,000 upwards. We do not provide consumer credit or personal lending services. Your details will only be shared with selected partners relevant to your enquiry.