USDA's FSA to require DOGE approval for some loans Farm loans over $500,000 will need DOGE approval under new policy1 May 2025 1 May 2025 4 minute read 4 minute read By: By: Global Ag Media North AmericaFarm loan employees at the US Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency (FSA) will now need approval from billionaire Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency to issue loans over $500,000, according to a memo seen by Reuters on Wednesday. The USDA typically offers loans to farmers who have trouble accessing credit through traditional lending institutions. Direct farm loans made to farmers by the FSA have a borrowing cap of $600,000. Guaranteed farm loans, which are financed by commercial banks with FSA backing, are capped at $2.2 million. In fiscal year 2023, the agency issued 22,600 farm loans worth about $4.7 billion, according to agency data.