All Other Animal Production

112990

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SBA Loan Approval Count : 257

SBA Loans Total Approval Amount YTD: $66,589,200

Average SBA Loan Size: $259,102

Average SBA Loan Rate over Prime (this number plus current prime rate): 1.49

Asset Base Working Capital Line (CAPLine)

Change of Ownership

Existing or more than 2 years old

SBA Loans for All Other Animal Production: Financing Growth in Specialty Livestock Farming

Introduction

Specialty animal producers raise animals outside of the traditional categories of cattle, hogs, poultry, and dairy. Classified under NAICS 112990 – All Other Animal Production, this industry includes operations such as raising bison, alpacas, rabbits, bees, goats, exotic animals, and aquaculture ventures. These businesses often serve niche markets in meat, fiber, honey, breeding stock, and tourism. While demand for unique animal products is growing, producers face challenges such as high feed costs, land management, regulatory hurdles, and limited access to traditional financing.

This is where SBA Loans for Specialty Animal Producers can provide critical support. Backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA loans offer affordable financing with lower down payments, longer repayment terms, and government-backed guarantees. These loans help producers purchase feed, expand facilities, invest in breeding programs, and stabilize cash flow during seasonal or unpredictable cycles.

In this article, we’ll explore NAICS 112990, the financial struggles these farmers face, how SBA loans provide solutions, and answers to frequently asked questions from niche animal producers.

Industry Overview: NAICS 112990

All Other Animal Production (NAICS 112990) includes farms and ranches raising animals not covered in the major livestock industries. Examples include:

Bison and buffalo farming
Goat and sheep operations for milk, meat, or fiber
Alpaca and llama fiber production
Rabbit and specialty poultry raising
Beekeeping for honey and pollination services
Aquaculture of nontraditional fish species
Game preserves and exotic animal farms

These operations often serve niche consumer markets or support local food systems. However, profitability can be inconsistent, requiring careful financial planning and investment.

Common Pain Points in Specialty Animal Farming Financing

From Reddit’s r/farming, r/homestead, and Quora discussions, farmers often cite these challenges:

Feed & Supply Costs – Feed, supplements, and veterinary care represent significant recurring expenses.
Infrastructure Needs – Fencing, barns, coops, pens, and aquaculture tanks require capital investment.
Market Uncertainty – Specialty products like alpaca fiber or bison meat face fluctuating demand.
Regulatory Compliance – Licensing, health inspections, and animal welfare standards add ongoing costs.
Cash Flow Gaps – Seasonal production cycles often mean long periods with little or no revenue.

How SBA Loans Help Animal Producers

SBA financing gives producers the capital to expand, diversify, and strengthen operations while smoothing out unpredictable cash flow cycles.

SBA 7(a) Loan

Best for: Working capital, payroll, feed purchases, or refinancing debt.
Loan size: Up to $5 million.
Why it helps: Provides flexible funding to cover operating costs and short-term expenses.

SBA 504 Loan

Best for: Land, barns, aquaculture facilities, or major equipment.
Loan size: Up to $5.5 million.
Why it helps: Perfect for financing fencing, irrigation, barns, or specialty production systems.

SBA Microloans

Best for: Startups and small farms.
Loan size: Up to $50,000.
Why it helps: Useful for purchasing beekeeping supplies, small-scale pens, or starter breeding stock.

SBA Disaster Loans

Best for: Recovery from natural disasters or livestock losses.
Loan size: Up to $2 million.
Why it helps: Provides working capital to replace animals, repair barns, or recover from revenue disruptions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting an SBA Loan

Check Eligibility – Must be a U.S.-based, for-profit farm with good personal credit (typically 650+).
Prepare Financial Documents – Tax returns, P&L statements, livestock records, and land lease/ownership documents.
Find an SBA-Approved Lender – Some lenders specialize in agricultural and niche farming businesses.
Submit Application – Provide a business plan with animal production details, market strategy, and financial projections.
Underwriting & Approval – SBA guarantees reduce lender risk. Approval generally takes 30–90 days.

FAQ: SBA Loans for Specialty Animal Production

Why do banks often deny loans to specialty animal producers?

Banks may see niche animal operations as risky due to unpredictable yields and fluctuating markets. SBA guarantees reduce lender risk, making approvals more accessible.

Can SBA loans finance barns, fencing, and aquaculture systems?

Yes. SBA 7(a) and 504 loans can fund land improvements, barns, pens, fencing, aquaculture tanks, and other infrastructure.

What down payment is required?

SBA loans usually require 10–20% down, compared to 25–30% for conventional farm loans.

Are startup farms eligible?

Yes. New specialty animal farms can qualify with industry experience, land access, and a solid business plan.

What repayment terms are available?

Working capital: Up to 7 years
Equipment/animals: Up to 10 years
Land/real estate: Up to 25 years

Can SBA loans support diversification into new animal markets?

Absolutely. Many producers use SBA loans to expand into niche areas such as honey production, fiber animals, or exotic livestock for agritourism.

Final Thoughts

The All Other Animal Production sector includes diverse and innovative farming operations, but these businesses face unpredictable markets and high capital needs. SBA Loans for Specialty Animal Producers provide affordable financing to purchase equipment, expand facilities, and stabilize operations through seasonal cycles.

Whether you’re raising bison, alpacas, bees, or aquaculture species, SBA financing can provide the capital needed to scale sustainably. Connect with an SBA-approved lender today and explore funding opportunities for your farming business.

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