Farm Credit System Overview Tap information boxes to learn more. The U.S. Farm Credit System was created by an act of Congress in 1916 to provide sound, dependable funding for American agriculture and rural America. Act of Congress in 1916 Cooperatively owned and operated; 78 lending associations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico with loans to 500,000+ customer-owners. Cooperative Lending Associations Regulated by the Farm Credit Administration, independent agency of the Executive Branch. Farm Credit Administration The System’s loan portfolio and operations are funded by short- and long-term debt securities issued by the FCFC. Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding Corporation (FCFC) Financial Highlights Assets $240 billion Permanent Capital Ratio 15.2% Public Debt Rating AA FCFC Debt Rating Moody's: Aaa/P-1 Fitch: AAA/F1+ S&P: AA+/A-1+ Learn more about the Farm Credit System >