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Bipartisan bill would expand Farm Credit home loans to more rural communities

The Farm Credit system would be able to lend to more rural communities if new bipartisan legislation in the U.S. House is passed.

Head of Public Affairs Joe Dagher with Farm Credit Mid-America tells Brownfield the lending system can only finance home loans in communities with up to 2,500 residents.

“That was in line with USDA rural housing programs, and over time, USDA’s rural housing programs have had an increase in what they’re able to reach in terms of what is considered rural,” he explains.

He says the population cap was sufficient when the Farm Credit Act was passed in the 1970s, but rural areas are growing.

“More people are living in rural communities around this country, and those folks are going to need a place to live,” he says. “Rural home ownership is important for the vitality of our rural communities.”

The Fostering the Availability in Rural Markets of (FARM) Home Loans Act of 2025, recently introduced by Michigan Representatives Kristen McDonald Rivet and Bill Huizenga, and New York Democrat Josh Riley, would raise the population limit up to 10,000.

The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.