Your Agricultural Finance Company
- Buys the seeds, feed you need & get your crops growing quickly
- Fund the purchase of machinery you need to make your work easier
- Fund land purchases & expand the farm size with a loan up to £2 Million
- Cover unexpected farming costs, & give yourself peace of mind during a bad harvest
- Improve your cash flow, to keeps things running smoothly
So don’t wait, speak to a member of our business finance team today.
We are FCA Authorised & Regulated (Number: 802921)
Flexible Financing for Agricultural Businesses
At V4B Business Finance, we understand the unique challenges faced by businesses in the agricultural sector. Whether you are looking to expand your farm, invest in new machinery, or manage seasonal cash flow, we offer customised finance options to support your agricultural business’s growth. With funding ranging from £5,000 to £2 million, we provide the financial backing you need to ensure your farm remains productive, competitive, and sustainable.
Agricultural Loan Calculator
Get an instant estimate for your asset financing with our Agricultural Loan calculator, which will give you an illustrative snapshot of what your potential costs could be.
Business Finance Calculator
Get an instant estimate for your asset financing.
This calculator provides you with an illustrative snapshot of what your potential costs could be.
Please note: While these figures offer you a helpful starting point, our dedicated asset finance specialists will work with you directly to provide you with a bespoke quote – and a precise rate – to your specific business needs, unique profile and goals as well.
This is more for illustrative purposes only.
Disclaimer: This calculator is provided for illustrative purposes only. All calculations are estimates based on the information provided and current market rates. The figures shown also do not constitute a formal offer of credit or financial advice, and your final rate and eligibility will depend on a full assessment of your business circumstances and credit profile.
Types of Financing Solutions We Offer
- Machinery and Equipment Financing: Secure funding to purchase or lease essential agricultural equipment, such as tractors, harvesters, or irrigation systems, to increase your farm’s efficiency.
- Livestock Financing: Access capital to expand your livestock operations, invest in breeding stock, or improve your farming infrastructure to meet growing demand.
- Land and Infrastructure Expansion: Whether you need financing to purchase more land or invest in farm infrastructure like barns, silos, or irrigation systems, we can help.
- Sustainable Farming Investments: Invest in eco-friendly and sustainable farming practices, such as renewable energy systems or water conservation technology, to ensure long-term profitability and environmental responsibility.
- Short-term Working Capital: Manage seasonal fluctuations and cash flow challenges by securing short-term loans to cover operational expenses during off-peak seasons.
Meet Our Dedicated Agricultural & Asset Finance Advisors
Andrea Lyons
With extensive experience in commercial lending, Andrea specialises in helping businesses navigate complex asset acquisition strategies. She is dedicated to finding tailored hire purchase and leasing solutions that align with long-term growth objectives.
Elliott Boreham
I specialise in a broad range of commercial finance solutions, helping SMEs unlock funding for growth, cashflow, and stability through business loans, asset finance, and tailored facilities. I also support property investors with structured finance — always focused on clear communication and finding solutions that genuinely fit.
Paul Ricci
Paul brings a wealth of industry knowledge to the team. He specialises in the Bus & Coach sector as well as General Asset Finance. Also has extensive experience in Refinance, by unlocking capital in company assets to consolidate debt and provide additional working capital.
Roland Van Rooyen
Roland focuses on the technical side of asset finance, helping clients understand the cash flow and balance sheet impacts of different funding models. He is known for his analytical approach and his ability to secure competitive rates for high-value equipment.
Dave Fawkes
Dave, brings over 25 years of expertise in helping businesses navigate growth and adaptation. He is committed to providing long-term strategic support and practical solutions for sustainable success. A family man at heart, Dave, treasures the time he spends with his grandchildren and supporting their many new experiences.
Why Choose us?
Quick and Easy Application Process
Apply for asset finance in minutes online.
Competitive Rates
Fast approval process with competitive rates.
Customisable Financing Options
Flexible repayment options tailored to your business needs.
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Flexible Financing for Agricultural Businesses
As we all know, farming is the backbone of the British economy, but it is also one of the most capital-intensive industries in the country in the process.
So, whether you are running a traditional arable farm in East Anglia, a dairy farm in Devon, or a diversification project in the Scottish Highlands, having the right cash flow for you really is essential.
In 2026, the landscape of farming is also changing. With the full rollout of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and a greater focus on “Green Finance,” how you fund your farm is just as important as how you manage your land.
Consequently, in this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about agricultural finance, the options available to you, and how to choose the right partner for your business.
Why Specialist Agricultural Finance Matters
Most high-street banks offer “business loans,” but farming is not a standard business.
A retail shop has a steady daily income; a farm might only get paid twice a year after a harvest or a livestock sale.
Specialist agricultural finance is designed to handle:
Seasonal Income
Repayments that match your cash flow (e.g., lower payments in winter, higher after harvest).
Long-Term Planning
Repayments that match your cash flow (e.g., lower payments in winter, higher after harvest).
Specialist Assets
Lenders need to understand the value of a 2026-model robotic milker or a hydrogen-powered tractor.
SFI 2026, How to Navigate the New Application Windows
The Sustainable Farming Incentive has been refreshed for 2026 (SFI26) to make it simpler and more focused.
However, unlike previous years, when you could apply at any time, DEFRA has introduced fixed application windows for 2026 to manage the national budget.
Knowing which “window” you fall into is essential for your cash flow planning this year.
The Two Key SFI26 Windows
Who can apply?
This is a “priority window” for small farms (defined as 3 to 50 hectares) and any farm business that does not currently have an existing Environmental Land Management (ELM) agreement.
Why it matters?
This window is expected to stay open for only two months. If the budget is reached early, it may close sooner, so early preparation is vital.
- Window 2, Opens September 2026
Who can apply?
This window is open to all eligible farmers, including those who missed the first window or larger estates over 50 hectares.
Please Note
There is currently no fixed end date for this window, as it will depend on the remaining budget.
What’s New for SFI26?
To keep the scheme fair for everyone, several new rules have been introduced that will affect your finance needs:
The £100,000 Cap
No single SFI26 agreement can be worth more than £100,000 per year.
Rotational Limits
You can no longer increase the area of “rotational actions” (like herbal leys) after the first year. You are locked into the area you choose in Year 1.
One Agreement Rule
Each farm business is restricted to just one SFI26 agreement.
Lower Payment Rates
Some popular rates, such as those for Herbal Leys and Winter Bird Food, have been reduced for new 2026 agreements.
How We Can Help with Your SFI Transition?
Because SFI payments are made quarterly and in arrears, there can often be a “funding gap” while you wait for your first payment – especially if you are investing in new equipment or seeds to meet the scheme’s requirements.
We provide SFI Bridging Finance and Asset Finance, specifically designed to cover your costs until those DEFRA payments start hitting your bank account.
So, whether you need a new direct drill for your herbal leys or cash flow to cover the initial setup, we can help you stay ahead of the June and September deadlines.
💡 V4B Insider Tip - The "SFI Rate Trap"
Don’t assume the 2026 rate is the same as last year.
For SFI26, popular actions like Herbal Leys have seen a 40% cut in payments (down to £224/ha).
If you are budgeting your loan repayments based on 2024 rates, your cash flow will be short, as a result, our business finance team uses the March 2026 rate card to ensure your finance is truly affordable.
Types of Agricultural Finance Available to You
There are actually a number of types of finance available to farmers here, including, for instance:
Asset Finance (Machinery and Equipment)
Asset Finance for your machinery and equipment is the most common type of finance. It allows you to get the latest technology without paying the full cost up front.
Hire Purchase (HP)
You pay in instalments, and at the end of the term, you own the machine. This is great for tractors or harvesters that you plan to keep for ten years.
Leasing
You essentially rent the equipment. This is better for technology that quickly goes out of date, as you can upgrade to a newer model at the end of the lease.
Refinancing
If you already own a fleet of machinery, you can take out a loan against its value to release “trapped” cash for other projects.
Farm Mortgages and Land Loans
Buying land is the biggest investment a farmer will ever make. Because land prices in the UK remain high, these loans are usually long-term (10 to 30 years).
Expansion
Buying the “field next door” to increase your acreage.
Generational Transfer
Financing the cost of taking over the farm from a parent or retiring partner.
Infrastructure
Building new grain stores, silage clamps, or livestock housing.
Livestock Finance
Buying cattle or sheep to grow your herd can be expensive. Livestock finance allows you to spread the cost of the animals over their productive life. In many cases, the livestock themselves serve as collateral for the loan.
Working Capital and Revolving Credit
Sometimes you just need a “buffer” to cover the cost of seeds, fertiliser, or fuel before the harvest comes in. A revolving credit facility works like a business overdraft, allowing you to dip in and out as needed.
How to Finance the "Green Transition"
By 2026, every UK farm is looking at sustainability. The government now rewards “public goods” like clean water and carbon capture. Finance has evolved to support this.
Renewable Energy
Many farms are now energy producers. We provide finance for:
Solar PV
Installing panels on the roofs of large barns.
Wind Turbines
Small to medium turbines for on-farm use or export to the grid.
Biomass and Anaerobic Digestion
Turning waste into heat and power.
Regenerative Agriculture
Moving to “no-till” farming or cover cropping requires new, expensive drills and equipment. We offer specialist loans for transition equipment that helps you meet SFI (Sustainable Farming Incentive) requirements.
Help With Diversification Beyond Traditional Farming
Many modern UK farms no longer just produce food. To stay profitable, farmers are looking at new ways to use their land.
We provide bespoke finance for:
Agri-Tourism
Building glamping pods, holiday cottages, or farm stays.
Retail Farm Shops
Opening farm shops, cafes, or vending machines for milk and eggs.
Commercial Units
Converting old stone barns into offices or workshops for local businesses.
Diversification often requires opu to have a mix of a mortgage (for the building) and asset finance (for the fit-out).
💡 V4B Insider Tip - The Inheritance Tax (IHT) Trigger
Following the 2025 Budget changes, the £1m – £2.5m APR/BPR threshold is the new ‘danger zone’ for family farms.
We are seeing a 30% increase in farmers seeking finance to restructure debt or buy out retiring partners before April 2026. So, if your farm is valued at over £2.5m, your borrowing strategy needs to align with your new IHT liabilities now.
How the Finance Application Process Works
Getting finance shouldn’t be a headache.
Here at Business Finance V4B, we keep it simple.
The Initial Chat
We speak to you about what you need – whether it’s a new 4×4, a combine harvester, or 50 acres of land.
Information Gathering
We will look at your last two years of accounts, your current land holding, and your plans for the future.
The Proposal
We don’t just go to one bank. We look at a wide panel of specialist agricultural lenders to find the best rate and the best “fit” for your farm.
Finance Approval
We don’t just go to one bank. We look at a wide panel of specialist agricultural lenders to find the best rate and the best “fit” for your farm.
Funds Released
The money is paid directly to the supplier or your solicitor, and your new asset starts working for you.
FETF 2026, Your Final Opportunity for Equipment Grants
The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) has officially opened for 2026.
This is expected to be the final standalone round of this fund in its current form, as the government plans to simplify grant schemes from 2027 onwards.
If you are planning to upgrade your machinery or invest in new farm tech this spring, you must act quickly.
Key 2026 Deadlines
Application Window: Opened 17 March 2026.
Closing Date: Midday on Tuesday 28 April 2026.
Claim Deadline: All items must be bought, delivered, and claimed by 20 January 2027.
How the Funding is Split
In 2026, a total pot of £50 million is available across three specific themes.
You can apply for one grant per theme, with a maximum total of £75,000 available if you apply for all three:
Productivity (£20m pot)
Grants between £1,000 and £25,000 for items like direct drills, camera-guided sprayers, and autonomous grain robots.
Slurry Management (£10m pot)
Grants between £1,000 and £25,000 for robotic slurry collectors, separators, and umbilical hose systems.
Animal Health & Welfare (£20m pot)
Grants between £1,000 and £25,000 for equipment such as mobile sheep dips, automatic milk feeders, and livestock weighing crates.
Mind the "Funding Gap"
The FETF is a competitive, “score-based” grant. Even if you are successful, the grant usually only covers 40% to 50% of the item’s cost.
Crucially, you must pay for the equipment in full before you can claim the grant money back from the RPA.
This is where we can help
Top-Up Loans
We provide the remaining 50–60% of the capital you need to complete the purchase.
Hire Purchase
We can structure finance agreements that take your expected grant payment into account, reducing your monthly outgoings.
Bridging Finance
We can provide short-term funding to cover the full cost of the item, allowing you to buy it immediately while you wait for your grant reimbursement.
💡 V4B Insider Tip - The "SFI Rate Trap"
The 28 April deadline is a hard cutoff. Historically, 60% of applications are submitted in the final 48 hours, often leading to server delays.
Lenders also tighten their ‘bridging’ criteria as the window closes, so get your Decision in Principle from us by April 15th to ensure you can pay the supplier the moment your grant is approved.
What Do Lenders Look For in 2026 When It Comes to Farming Finance?
When you apply for finance, lenders want to see that your farm is “future-proof.”
Your Environmental Plan
Do you have a plan for carbon reduction or biodiversity?
Profitability
Can the farm cover the loan repayments even if commodity prices (like wheat or milk) drop?
Management
Who is running the farm?
Lenders like to see a clear plan for the next 5-10 years.
Security
What assets do you have?
Land is the best security, but modern machinery is also highly valued.
Financeable Tech, Key Items from the FETF 2026 List Include
Below are some of the most popular items eligible for funding this year. We can provide the match-funding or bridging finance you need to secure these assets.
Productivity & Arable Items (40%–50% Grant)
| Item Code | Equipment Name | Typical Grant |
|---|---|---|
| FETF44 | Direct Drills (3m or 6m) – For low-disturbance crop establishment. | 40% – 50% |
| FETF214 | Camera-Guided Inter-Row Sprayers – High-precision weeding technology. | 40% – 50% |
| FETF111 | Weed Wipers – Targeted herbicide application for tall weeds. | 40% – 50% |
| FETF208 | Tractor-Mounted Stubble Rakes – For managing residue and soil health. | 40% – 50% |
| FETF102 | Assisted Steering Systems – Retrofit GPS-linked steering for tractors. | 40% – 50% |
Slurry Management Items
| Item Code | Equipment Name | Typical Grant |
|---|---|---|
| FETF205 | Robotic Slurry Pushers/Collectors – Autonomous barn floor hygiene. | 50% |
| FETF501 | Mobile Slurry Separators – Efficient storage and spreading systems. | 50% |
| FETF38 | Umbilical Hose Reelers (400m+) – Low-impact slurry application. | 50% |
| FETF32 | Dribble Bars (6m+) – Reduced ammonia emission systems. | 50% |
| FETF29 | In-Line Nutrient Analysers – Real-time measurement of slurry nutrients. | 50% |
Animal Health & Welfare Items
| Item Code | Equipment Name | Typical Grant |
|---|---|---|
| FETF66 | Automatic Weighing & Drafting Crates – Precision sorting for livestock. | 50% |
| FETF56 | Mobile Cattle Handling Systems – Safe races and crushes for testing. | 50% |
| FETF206 | Automatic Feed Pushers (e.g. Lely Juno) – Constant feed availability. | 50% |
| FETF221 | Automatic Calf Feeders – Individualized nutritional intake monitoring. | 50% |
| FETF233A | Automated Cow Brushes – Enhanced cow comfort and welfare. | 50% |
Strategic Farm Finance, Tax, IHT, and Future-Proofing
As we move through 2026, managing a farm is as much about financial strategy as it is about land management.
With the new £2.5m APR (Agricultural Property Relief) and BPR (Business Property Relief) thresholds now in effect, many families are looking for Inheritance Tax (IHT) planning finance to restructure their businesses or buy out partners without selling land.
We also support the next generation of farming with specialist Agri-tech finance for the latest “Net Zero” machinery.
This includes Hydrogen-powered tractor leasing, Farm drone finance for crop spraying, and Battery storage systems for those generating their own power.
So, whether you need Seed and fertiliser finance to bridge a gap, Red diesel funding, or a loan through the Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS), we provide the specific facilities needed to keep your farm resilient and tax-efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) When it Comes To Agricultural Finance
Can I get finance if I’m a tenant farmer?
While you may not have land as security, you can still access asset finance for machinery, livestock loans, and working capital.
What is the minimum amount I can borrow?
Typically, asset finance starts from £5,000 for small implements, while land loans usually start from £25,000 upwards.
Do you fund second-hand machinery?
Absolutely, as we know that a five-year-old tractor is often a better investment than a brand-new one. We fund equipment from reputable dealers and private sales.
What happens if I have a bad harvest?
This is why specialist finance is better than a standard loan. We can talk to lenders about “payment holidays” or restructuring your debt to help you through a tough season.
Why Choose Business Finance V4B?
We aren’t just “money people” – we understand the rural economy, and we know that a farmer’s time is best spent in the field, not filling out forms.
✔ We are Independent
We aren’t tied to one bank. We work for you.
✔ We are Fast
We know that if a piece of machinery comes up at an auction, you need the money quickly.
✔ We are Farming Finance Specialists
We understand the difference between an SFI payment and a Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) legacy.
How to Move Your Farm Forward?
Agricultural finance is a tool, just like a tractor or a plough. When used correctly, it allows you to grow your business, protect your family’s legacy, and adapt to the new “green” world of British farming.
Whether you are looking to buy your first farm, upgrade your fleet, or build a new farm shop, the right funding is out there.
Ready to grow?
Contact our Agricultural Team today for a no-obligation chat, and we will work with you to understand your goals and find the right business loans that fit your life.
Meet the Team Behind Business Finance
