Illinois Ag Invest Agriculture Operating Line of Credit Loan

The Ag Invest Agriculture Operating Line of Credit Loan program makes loans more affordable for farmers and agricultural professionals. Agricultural operating loans can cover annual farm operating and start-up costs, including seed, fertilizer, plants, payroll, transportation, transition expenses, milling and processing, crop insurance, and other qualified agricultural expenses.

After a participating lender approves your line of credit, the Treasurer’s office works with the lender to reduce the interest rate, thereby lowering the overall cost to enhance/expand your farm operation or value-added businesses.

Eligible Items

• Seed, feed, and fertilizer

• Plants

• Salaries

• Transportation

• Milling

• Processing

• Transitioning

• Land acquisition up to $600,000

• Cash rent

• Crop insurance

• Purchase of livestock/breeding stock

• Production-related energy and labor expenses

• Veterinarian costs

• New or used farm equipment

• Construction

• Irrigation, soil, and water conservation

• Other expenses

• A participating Illinois financial institution must approve each borrower’s application.

• The borrower’s property must be located entirely in Illinois.

• The Financial Institution may request a deposit of up to $600,000 per borrower for either a 1-year or 2-year term. A borrower is allowed only one operating line of credit at any given time.

• The below-market interest rate is fixed for 1 or 2 years.

Interest rates are quoted in the Access to Capital and Invest in Illinois Daily Rates sections of the Illinois State Treasurer’s website. They are updated on the first day of every month. The listed rates are posted to give potential borrowers an indication of current rate figures. The final deposit rate will be confirmed on the business day before the loan is issued. Effective January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026, lenders may charge up to 2.75 percentage points above the Treasurer’s deposit rate.

Ag Invest does not guarantee the loan. Your lender still reviews and approves the loan application.

Reach out to the lender directly to learn about current loan availability, eligibility, and whether they serve your area. If your lender does not participate or has questions about the program, contact the Treasurer’s Office for more information.

Ag Invest Frequently Asked Questions

Ag Invest Participating Depositories

Invest in Illinois Daily Rates