Milking parlors, cooling tanks, feed mixers, and manure systems — all essential for a modern, efficient dairy operation. But upgrading or expanding your dairy farm infrastructure requires significant capital. If you’re looking to invest without exhausting your cash flow, there are several equipment financing options for equipment available to help you grow sustainably and affordably.
Yes! Dairy farmers can finance milking equipment, storage tanks, mixers, and more through agricultural lenders, equipment leases, USDA programs, and vendor financing.
Financing helps dairy farmers:
Reduce upfront costs
Maintain cash reserves for feed, labor, and operations
Upgrade to modern, more efficient systems
Comply with regulations and quality standards
Grow production capacity without sacrificing liquidity
Whether you're a small family farm or a commercial dairy operation, you can finance a wide range of equipment:
Robotic milking machines
Milking parlors (herringbone, rotary, parallel)
Milking clusters, vacuum pumps, and milk meters
Bulk milk tanks and cooling systems
Plate coolers and heat recovery units
Refrigeration control systems
Feed mixers and wagons
Automatic feeders and grain storage bins
Silage distribution equipment
Manure pumps and separators
Lagoon agitators and scrapers
Composting and slurry systems
Cow activity and health sensors
Weighing systems and RFID tracking
Parlor management software
Terms from 3 to 10 years
Fixed or variable interest rates
Collateral may include the equipment itself
Lease new or used milking systems, feed mixers, and more
Lower upfront cost
Upgrade to new tech every few years
Option to purchase at lease end
USDA FSA loans for small and mid-sized dairy farms
Guaranteed loans for new equipment or expansion
REAP grants available for energy-efficient cooling or manure systems
Learn more about USDA equipment loans ↗️
Equipment dealers often partner with financing companies
Competitive interest rates or seasonal deferred payments
Great for bundling equipment purchases into one contract
| Equipment Type | Estimated Cost | Monthly Payment (5 yrs @ 7%) |
|---|---|---|
| Robotic milking system | $120,000–$200,000 | ~$2,300–$3,800/month |
| Bulk milk tank (1,000 gal) | $25,000–$40,000 | ~$480–$750/month |
| Manure separator | $35,000–$60,000 | ~$670–$1,100/month |
| Feed mixer wagon | $30,000–$70,000 | ~$580–$1,300/month |
List the equipment you need for your operation
Request quotes from multiple vendors or dealers
Choose a lender or leasing partner
Prepare financial documents (tax returns, farm income)
Apply and review loan or lease terms
Accept offer and arrange equipment delivery
Related: Understanding the Equipment Leasing Process Step-by-Step
Business registration or farm tax ID (EIN)
2–3 years of financials or tax returns
Credit score (600+ preferred)
Equipment quotes or invoices
Down payment (optional but strengthens approval odds)
| Financing | Buying Outright |
|---|---|
| Preserves working capital | Full ownership immediately |
| Lower upfront investment | No ongoing monthly obligations |
| Potential tax benefits | One-time expense, simpler accounting |
| Access to better technology | May delay upgrades due to high cost |
Finance milking systems, feed mixers, tanks, and manure handling tools
Choose from loans, leases, vendor options, or USDA programs
Keep operations modern, efficient, and cash-flow positive
Upgrading your dairy farm doesn't have to mean draining your bank account. With flexible financing, you can modernize your milking systems, improve feed management, and comply with regulations—without sacrificing profitability. Whether you're scaling up or replacing outdated gear, smart financing makes it easier to invest in your dairy’s future.
Ready to modernize your dairy operation?
Apply now to finance milking parlors, storage tanks, mixers, or waste systems—with payment terms tailored to your farm’s seasonal needs.