Can I get working capital for seed, feed, fertiliser and other seasonal inputs?

Yes — established UK farms and agricultural businesses can access working capital specifically for seasonal inputs such as seed, feed, fertiliser, crop protection, fuel and other pre-harvest or pre-sale costs. Options include revolving credit lines, short-term cash flow loans, invoice finance against contracts, asset refinance and specialist agricultural input finance via lenders and brokers. Best Business Loans doesn’t lend directly; we help you quickly find relevant finance providers who may support your seasonal cycle.

What seasonal working capital is — and how it helps farms

Seasonal working capital is short-term finance designed to fund input costs now and repay after harvest or sales. It aligns repayments to your cropping or livestock cycle so you can buy essentials when prices or timing make sense. This type of funding is often interest-only during the draw period, with capital repaid once cash comes in.

For arable farms, that means funding seed, fertiliser, sprays, fuel and labour months before grain income. For livestock and dairy, it covers feed, bedding, vet costs and husbandry until milk cheques or livestock sales catch up. For horticulture, it bridges heating, substrate, plants and packaging through the picking season.

The goal is simple: smooth cash flow so you can secure inputs at the right time, negotiate better supplier terms and avoid straining your overdraft. Getting the structure right reduces pressure during low-cash months and protects working relationships with merchants.

When seasonal finance makes the most sense

If your cash cycle is longer than 60–120 days and supplier terms are tight, short-term working capital can be valuable. It can also help when input prices spike before harvest income is available. Many farmers use seasonal lines alongside overdrafts to avoid constantly hitting their bank limit.

Who this is for

Best Business Loans typically supports established limited companies and incorporated partnerships with trading history. Sole traders and start-ups aren’t currently supported on our platform. If you’re unsure on eligibility, we can still assess your situation quickly and signpost next steps.

Important reminder

All finance is subject to status and affordability checks, and terms will vary by lender. Security and personal guarantees may be required, and non-payment can have serious consequences. Information on this page is general and not financial advice.

Funding options for seed, feed, fertiliser and other inputs

Revolving credit lines and seasonal overdrafts

A business revolving credit facility works like a flexible line you can draw down as needed and repay early without penalties. Some providers offer seasonal profiles, allowing interest-only during the growing or finishing period. Limits are typically based on turnover, trading history and affordability.

Why this helps

Draw only what you need for inputs, then reduce the balance as crop or livestock sales come in. This flexibility can be more efficient than fixed-term lump-sum borrowing for variable input schedules.

Short-term cash flow loans

Fixed-term loans over 3–18 months can cover a defined block of inputs. Repayments can be structured to increase post-harvest to ease pressure early on. Some lenders may offer payment pauses aligned to seasonality.

What to consider

Predictable monthly repayments are useful, but ensure the profile matches your income pattern. Ask about early settlement options and any fees for extra repayments after sales.

Invoice finance against contracts or receivables

Producers supplying processors, supermarkets or wholesalers can sometimes advance cash against approved invoices. Dairy, fresh produce and contract growers often use selective invoice finance to unlock funds when deliveries start.

Key benefit

You get a percentage of the invoice value upfront, improving cash flow during peak supply periods. Fees apply, but you only pay on the invoices you choose to finance.

Trade and supplier finance

Some providers pay your merchants directly for seed, fertiliser or feed and give you extended terms to settle later. This can complement or replace dealer accounts when terms are tight. It may consolidate multiple input invoices into one facility.

Who it suits

Farms that buy from multiple suppliers and want centralised control over payment timing. It can strengthen your negotiating position and prevent missed early-payment discounts.

Asset finance and refinance

If you need machinery upgrades alongside inputs, asset finance spreads the cost with the equipment as security. You can also refinance unencumbered kit or vehicles to release cash for inputs. This can be more cost-effective than unsecured borrowing if you have strong assets.

Watchouts

Be clear that the finance is secured on the asset, which could be at risk if you fail to maintain repayments. Term lengths should reflect the life and usage of the asset.

Government-backed options

At times, government guarantee schemes operate to support viable businesses with limited security. Where applicable, lenders on our network may consider these schemes for eligible UK companies. Availability, eligibility and terms change over time, so a quick eligibility check is sensible.

Explore more agri-focused routes

If you need a broader overview of the funding landscape in your sector, see our page on agriculture business loans. It covers common routes used by farms, growers and rural enterprises.

Eligibility, documents, costs and timelines

Typical eligibility criteria

• UK-registered limited company or incorporated partnership with trading history.
• Demonstrable turnover, farm accounts and bank statements showing seasonality.
• Clear purpose: inputs such as seed, feed, fertiliser, crop protection, fuel or seasonal labour.
• Affordability aligned to projected sales or subsidies.
• Directors with acceptable credit profiles; PGs may be requested.

Documents you may be asked for

• Last two years’ accounts and recent management figures.
• Six months’ business bank statements.
• Supplier quotes or invoices for inputs and expected timing of usage.
• Crop plans, livestock schedules or supply contracts if applicable.
• Asset schedules if security or refinance is considered.

What seasonal facilities can cover

• Seed, fertiliser and crop protection chemicals.
• Feed, bedding, veterinary and animal health costs.
• Fuel, parts, maintenance and field services.
• Packaging, haulage, temporary labour and storage fees.
• VAT bridging on large input purchases where appropriate.

Costs and terms — what to expect

Pricing varies by risk, facility type, sector and security offered. Some facilities are interest-only during drawdown with capital due post-harvest, while others use fixed amortising repayments. Always request a clear, fair and not misleading summary of total cost, fees and early settlement options.

Security and guarantees

Lenders may take a debenture, charge over assets or request personal guarantees from directors. If you provide security, clarify release terms and any impact on future borrowing capacity. For unsecured lines, expect pricing to reflect higher risk.

How fast can funding land?

Simple unsecured facilities can complete in days once documents are ready. Asset-backed and invoice finance can also be swift after due diligence. Complex structures or larger limits typically take longer, so plan ahead of input ordering windows.

Practical steps with Best Business Loans — plus sector use cases

How our matching works

Complete a Quick Quote to outline your business, sector and input funding requirement. Our AI analyses your profile and suggests lenders or brokers aligned with agriculture and your timeline. We introduce you so you can compare options, ask questions and choose your route.

Why use an introducer platform

Time matters when input prices and weather windows move quickly. Instead of calling multiple providers yourself, our network surfaces relevant options faster. There’s no obligation to proceed, and you remain in control of every decision.

What we don’t do

We don’t provide loans, set rates or offer regulated financial advice. We also don’t currently support start-ups, sole traders, franchises, property finance or commercial mortgages. If you’re unsure whether you fit, send a Quick Quote and we’ll confirm swiftly.

Use cases across agricultural sub-sectors

Arable farms

Use a revolving line to cover seed, fertiliser and sprays during drilling and T-sprays, then reduce the balance post-harvest. Align the facility limit to your cropped hectares and expected yield and price. Consider VAT bridging when making large pre-season purchases.

Livestock and dairy

Blend a seasonal line for feed and bedding with invoice finance on milk or livestock invoices if suitable. Smooth winter feed peaks and repay more during the grass season. Keep headroom for unexpected veterinary costs or bedding price surges.

Horticulture and glasshouse

Fund plants, substrate, irrigation and energy in early cycles, then repay as boxes ship to retailers or wholesalers. Selective invoice finance can help during peak picking weeks. Match repayment schedules to the length of your growing cycle.

Diversified rural enterprises

For farm shops, holiday lets or processing units, working capital can fund stock, packaging and staffing before peak seasons. Vehicle and equipment acquisitions can sit on asset finance to protect cash. Consider separate facilities for core farm and diversification arms to keep costs transparent.

FAQs, compliance, key risks and next steps

Compliance and fair, clear information

Any finance option you consider should be presented in a way that is fair, clear and not misleading. Always ask for total cost of credit, fees, security requirements and early settlement terms in writing. Ensure the product type fits your business needs and regulatory position.

About Best Business Loans

Best Business Loans operates as an independent introducer, helping established UK companies find suitable finance providers. We do not lend or provide financial advice, and nothing on this page constitutes advice. Eligibility and approval are subject to provider criteria, status and affordability.

FAQs on seasonal input finance

Can I ring-fence funding just for seed, feed and fertiliser?

Yes, many lenders will structure facilities specifically for input costs and may pay suppliers directly. This helps discipline the use of funds for seasonal needs. It also streamlines reconciliation at year-end.

Do I need security or a personal guarantee?

It depends on the provider, the facility type and your balance sheet. Unsecured lines may still require a director guarantee, while larger limits may involve charges over assets. Discuss comfort levels and alternatives during your quote.

How quickly can I get a decision in principle?

Simple cases can receive decisions in principle within 24–72 hours after document submission. Complex cases or larger limits may require additional time for underwriting. Submitting complete, accurate documents speeds everything up.

Can repayments match my harvest or livestock sales?

Yes, many facilities allow seasonal or stepped profiles. Some offer interest-only during the draw period with capital after income. Make sure the repayment plan matches your cash inflows conservatively.

Will using a facility affect existing bank overdrafts?

Lenders will check for existing charges and may coordinate with your bank. Some facilities sit alongside overdrafts; others may require consent. Being upfront about existing arrangements avoids delays.

What if input prices change after I draw down?

Flexible lines let you draw in tranches as prices and timing evolve. Fixed-term loans are less flexible, so consider your risk tolerance. Review early repayment policies if you expect to reduce borrowings sooner.

Key takeaways

• Yes — seasonal working capital can fund seed, feed, fertiliser and similar input costs for established UK farms.
• Common routes include revolving credit lines, short-term loans, invoice finance, trade finance and asset refinance.
• Repayments can be seasonal to align with harvest or livestock income, easing early cash pressure.
• Eligibility, pricing and security vary; prepare accounts, bank statements and input plans for faster decisions.
• Best Business Loans connects you with relevant lenders and brokers; we don’t lend or give financial advice.

Ready to check your eligibility?

It takes minutes to get a Quick Quote for seasonal input finance. Our AI-led matching introduces you to providers active in agriculture so you can compare options efficiently. There’s no obligation to proceed, and your details are handled securely and confidentially.

Important information

All finance is subject to status, affordability and terms and conditions of the provider. Security and personal guarantees may be required, and failure to keep up with repayments can negatively impact your credit rating and may lead to the repossession of secured assets. Consider independent advice from your accountant or adviser before committing.

Updated: October 2025