North Dakota Boosts Farm Loan Program Amid Financial Challenges

The state's Industrial Commission allocates an additional $100 million to the Bank of North Dakota's Farm Financial Stability Loan Program.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 4:50am

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The North Dakota Industrial Commission has announced an additional $100 million in funding for the Bank of North Dakota's 2026 Farm Financial Stability Loan Program, bringing the total to $500 million. The program is aimed at supporting agriculture producers who experienced operating shortfalls in 2024 or 2025 due to factors like severe weather, high input costs, trade policy uncertainty, and low commodity prices.

Why it matters

The additional funding for the loan program is intended to help North Dakota's agriculture producers weather the financial challenges they are facing, ensuring their needs are supported for the 2026 growing season. This is particularly important given the convergence of issues impacting the industry in recent years.

The details

The funds from the program can be used by producers to replenish working capital, term out operating carryover, or restructure existing term debts. The application process is handled through local lenders and closes on June 30 or when the funding is no longer available, whichever comes first.

  • The North Dakota Industrial Commission announced the additional $100 million in funding on March 19, 2026.
  • The program is aimed at supporting agriculture producers who experienced operating shortfalls in 2024 or 2025.

The players

North Dakota Industrial Commission

The state government body that oversees the Bank of North Dakota and allocated the additional funding for the Farm Financial Stability Loan Program.

Bank of North Dakota

The state-owned bank that administers the Farm Financial Stability Loan Program.

Kelly Armstrong

The governor of North Dakota and chairman of the Industrial Commission.

Drew Wrigley

The attorney general of North Dakota and a member of the Industrial Commission.

Doug Goehring

The agriculture commissioner of North Dakota and a member of the Industrial Commission.

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What they’re saying

“Producers are facing an unusual convergence of challenges, from severe weather last summer to high input costs, trade policy uncertainty and low commodity prices. This additional loan funding ensures producers' financial needs are supported for the 2026 growing season.”

— North Dakota Industrial Commission

What’s next

The application process for the Farm Financial Stability Loan Program is open until June 30, 2026, or until the funding is exhausted, whichever comes first.

The takeaway

The North Dakota government's decision to significantly boost funding for the Farm Financial Stability Loan Program demonstrates its commitment to supporting the state's agriculture producers as they navigate a challenging financial landscape. This program aims to provide critical assistance to help farmers weather the convergence of factors impacting their operations and ensure their needs are met for the upcoming growing season.