FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES

Fair Value Measurement

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (also referred to as an exit price). In determining fair value, Farmer Mac uses various valuation approaches, including market and income based approaches. The fair value hierarchy requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. When available, the fair value of Farmer Mac's financial instruments is based on quoted market prices, valuation techniques that use observable market-based inputs, or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data. Pricing information obtained from third parties is internally validated for reasonableness prior to use in the consolidated financial statements. Farmer Mac's accounting policies for fair value measurement and a description of the fair value techniques used for instruments measured at fair value is discussed in Note 2(p).

Fair value measurements related to financial instruments that are reported at fair value in the consolidated financial statements each period are referred to as recurring fair value measurements. Fair value measurements related to financial instruments that are not reported at fair value each period but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances are referred to as nonrecurring fair value measurements.

Fair Value Classification and Transfers

The fair value hierarchy ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. The hierarchy gives highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The following three levels are used to classify fair value measurements:


Level 1	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.


Level 2	Quoted prices in markets that are not active or financial instruments for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.


Level 3	Prices or valuations that require unobservable inputs that are significant to the fair value measurement.

Farmer Mac performs a detailed analysis of the assets and liabilities carried at fair value to determine the appropriate level based on the transparency of the inputs used in the valuation techniques. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Farmer Mac's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement of an instrument requires judgment and consideration of factors specific to the instrument. While Farmer Mac believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with those of other market participants, using different methodologies or assumptions to determine fair value could result in a materially different estimate of fair value for some financial instruments.

The following is a description of the fair value techniques used for instruments measured at fair value as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy described above. Fair value measurements related to financial instruments that are reported at fair value in the consolidated financial statements each period are referred to as recurring fair value measurements. Fair value measurements related to financial instruments that are not reported at fair value each period but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances are referred to as nonrecurring fair value measurements.

Recurring Fair Value Measurements and Classification

Available-for-Sale and Trading Investment Securities

The fair value of investments in U.S. Treasuries is based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets. Farmer Mac classifies these fair value measurements as level 1.

For a significant portion of Farmer Mac's investment portfolio, including most asset-backed securities, corporate debt securities, senior agency debt securities, Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities, municipal bonds, and preferred stock issued by GSEs, fair value is primarily determined using a reputable and nationally recognized third party pricing service. The prices obtained are non-binding and generally representative of recent market trades. The fair value of certain asset-backed and Government guaranteed mortgage-backed securities are estimated based on quotations from brokers or dealers. Farmer Mac corroborates its primary valuation source by obtaining a secondary price from another independent third party pricing service. Farmer Mac classifies these fair value measurements as level 2.

For certain investment securities that are thinly traded or not quoted, Farmer Mac estimates fair value using internally-developed models that employ a discounted cash flow approach. Farmer Mac maximizes the use of observable market data, including prices of financial instruments with similar maturities and characteristics, interest rate yield curves, measures of volatility and prepayment rates. Farmer Mac generally considers a market to be thinly traded or not quoted if the following conditions exist: (1) there are few transactions for the financial instruments; (2) the prices in the market are not current; (3) the price quotes vary significantly either over time or among independent pricing services or dealers; or (4) there is limited availability of public market information. Farmer Mac classifies these fair value measurements as level 3.

Farmer Mac's investment securities include callable, highly rated auction-rate certificates ("ARCs"), the interest rates on which are reset through an auction process, most commonly at intervals of 28 days, or at formula-based floating rates as set forth in the related transaction documents in the event of a failed auction. These formula-based floating rates, which may at times reset to zero, are intended to preserve the underlying principal balance of the securities and avoid overall cash shortfalls. Accordingly, payments of accrued interest may also be delayed and are ultimately subject to cash availability. Beginning in mid-February 2008, there were widespread failures of the auction mechanism designed to provide regular liquidity to these types of securities. Consequently, Farmer Mac has not sold any of its ARCs into the auctions since that time. All ARCs held by Farmer Mac are collateralized entirely by pools of Federal Family Education Loan Program guaranteed student loans that are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Farmer Mac continues to believe that the credit quality of these securities is high, based on the underlying collateralization and the securities' ratings. To date, Farmer Mac has received all interest due on ARCs it holds and expects to continue to do so.

Farmer Mac classifies its estimates of fair value for ARCs as level 3 measurements. Farmer Mac uses unadjusted quotes from a broker specializing in these types of securities to determine the estimated fair value of these investments as of each quarter end. Through periodic discussions with the broker, Farmer Mac gained an understanding of the assumptions underlying the broker quotes and independently benchmarked those quotes against other dealer price indications. Farmer Mac believes the broker quotes are the best indication of fair value as of the measurement date although there is uncertainty regarding the ability to transact at such levels. Considering there is no active secondary market for these securities, although limited observable transactions do occasionally occur, price quotes vary significantly among dealers or independent pricing services, if provided at all, and there is little transparency in the price determination, Farmer Mac believes these measurements are appropriately classified as level 3.

Available-for-Sale and Trading Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities

Farmer Mac estimates the fair value of its Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities by discounting the projected cash flows of these instruments at projected interest rates. The fair values are based on the present value of expected cash flows using management's best estimate of certain key assumptions, which include prepayment speeds, forward yield curves, and discount rates commensurate with the risks involved. Farmer Mac classifies these fair value measurements as level 3 because there is limited market activity and therefore little or no price transparency. On a sample basis, Farmer Mac corroborates the fair value of its Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities by obtaining a secondary valuation from an independent third party service.

Farmer Mac made no transfers within the fair value hierarchy for fair value measurements of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities during 2014, 2013, and 2012.

Financial Derivatives

The fair value of exchange-traded U.S. Treasury futures is based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical financial instruments. Farmer Mac classifies these fair value measurements as level 1.

Farmer Mac's derivative portfolio consists primarily of interest rate swaps and forward sales contracts on the debt of other GSEs. Farmer Mac estimates the fair value of these financial instruments primarily based upon the counterparty valuations. Farmer Mac internally values its derivative portfolio using a discounted cash flow valuation technique and obtains a secondary valuation for certain interest rate swaps to corroborate the counterparty valuations. Farmer Mac also regularly reviews the counterparty valuations as part of the collateral exchange process. Farmer Mac classifies these fair value measurements as level 2.

Certain basis swaps are nonstandard interest rate swap structures and are therefore internally modeled using significant assumptions and unobservable inputs, resulting in level 3 classification. Farmer Mac uses a discounted cash flow valuation technique, using management's best estimate of certain key assumptions, which include prepayment speeds, forward yield curves, and discount rates commensurate with the risks involved.

During first quarter 2013, Farmer Mac observed an increasing trend in the use of the overnight index swap ("OIS") curve by other market participants to value certain collateralized interest rate swap agreements. As a result, Farmer Mac concluded that the OIS curve was a more appropriate curve to use to discount the cash flows on certain collateralized interest rate swaps effective March 31, 2013. The impact of this change was not significant.

As of December 31, 2014, the consideration of Farmer Mac's and the counterparties' credit risk resulted in an adjustment of $0.2 million to the valuations of Farmer Mac's derivative portfolio. As of December 31, 2013, the consideration of Farmer Mac's and the counterparties' credit risk resulted in an adjustment of $45,000 to the valuations of Farmer Mac's derivative portfolio. See Note 2(h) and Note 6 for more information about Farmer Mac's derivative portfolio.

Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements and Classification

Loans Held for Investment

Certain loans in Farmer Mac's held for investment loan portfolio are measured at fair value when they are determined to be impaired. For these impaired loans, the fair value of the loan generally is based on the fair value of the underlying property, which is determined by recent third-party appraisals. Farmer Mac uses net realizable value (fair value less estimated costs to sell) as a reasonable estimate of fair value and classifies the fair values as level 3 measurements in the tables below.

When recent third-party appraisals are not available, Farmer Mac measures loan impairment in the aggregate in consideration of the similar risk characteristics of the assets and historical statistics, and does not include these impaired loans in the tables below.

Real Estate Owned

Farmer Mac initially records REO properties at net realizable value and subsequently records them at the lower of carrying value or net realizable value. The fair value of the REO generally is based on third-party appraisals. Farmer Mac classifies the REO fair values as level 3 measurements. Farmer Mac uses net realizable value as a reasonable estimate of fair value in the tables below.

Fair Value Classification and Transfers

As of December 31, 2014, Farmer Mac's assets and liabilities recorded at fair value included financial instruments valued at $5.5 billion whose fair values were estimated by management in the absence of readily determinable fair values (i.e., level 3). These financial instruments measured as level 3 represented 38 percent of total assets and 73 percent of financial instruments measured at fair value as of December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2013, Farmer Mac's assets and liabilities recorded at fair value included financial instruments valued at $6.8 billion whose fair values were estimated by management in the absence of readily determinable fair values. These financial instruments measured as level 3 represented 51 percent of total assets and 73 percent of financial instruments measured at fair value as of December 31, 2013.

Net transfers in and/or out of the different levels within the fair value hierarchy are based on the fair values of the assets and liabilities as of the beginning of the reporting period. There were no transfers within the fair value hierarchy for fair value measurements of Farmer Mac's investment securities, Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities, USDA Securities, and financial derivatives during 2014, 2013, and 2012. See Note 2(b) for information about the transfer of available-for-sale Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities to held-to-maturity as of January 1, 2014.

The following tables present information about Farmer Mac's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques used by Farmer Mac to determine such fair value:

Table 13.1



Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value as of December 31, 2014
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	(in thousands)
Recurring:
Assets:
Investment Securities:
Available-for-sale:
Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans	$	—	$	—	$	40,576	$	40,576
Floating rate asset-backed securities	—		100,902		—		100,902
Floating rate corporate debt securities	—		10,091		—		10,091
Fixed rate corporate debt securities	—		30,025		—		30,025
Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	—		612,753		—		612,753
Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	—		8,202		—		8,202
Floating rate GSE subordinated debt	—		66,320		—		66,320
Fixed rate senior agency debt	—		18,939		—		18,939
Floating rate U.S. Treasuries	74,979		—		—		74,979
Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries	975,712		—		—		975,712
Total available-for-sale	1,050,691		847,232		40,576		1,938,499
Trading:
Floating rate asset-backed securities	—		—		689		689
Total trading	—		—		689		689
Total Investment Securities	1,050,691		847,232		41,265		1,939,188
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
Available-for-sale:
AgVantage	—		—		3,631,662		3,631,662
Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	—		—		27,619		27,619
Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	—		—		3,659,281		3,659,281
USDA Securities:
Available-for-sale	—		—		1,731,222		1,731,222
Trading	—		—		40,310		40,310
Total USDA Securities	—		—		1,771,532		1,771,532
Financial derivatives	—		4,177		—		4,177
Total Assets at fair value	$	1,050,691	$	851,409	$	5,472,078	$	7,374,178
Liabilities:
Financial derivatives	3		84,841		—		84,844
Total Liabilities at fair value	$	3	$	84,841	$	—	$	84,844
Nonrecurring:
Assets:
Loans held for investment	$	—	$	—	$	5,973	$	5,973
Total Nonrecurring Assets at fair value	$	—	$	—	$	5,973	$	5,973



Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value as of December 31, 2013
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	(in thousands)
Recurring:
Assets:
Investment Securities:
Available-for-sale:
Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans	$	—	$	—	$	65,285	$	65,285
Floating rate asset-backed securities	—		166,104		—		166,104
Floating rate corporate debt securities	—		109,769		—		109,769
Fixed rate corporate debt	—		55,141		—		55,141
Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	—		621,064		205		621,269
Fixed rate GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	—		8,657		—		8,657
Floating rate GSE subordinated debt	—		63,385		—		63,385
Fixed rate GSE preferred stock	—		83,161		—		83,161
Fixed rate taxable municipal bonds	—		30,681		—		30,681
Fixed rate senior agency debt	—		524,062		—		524,062
Fixed rate U.S. Treasuries	755,633		—		—		755,633
Total available-for-sale	755,633		1,662,024		65,490		2,483,147
Trading:
Floating rate asset-backed securities	—		—		928		928
Total trading	—		—		928		928
Total Investment Securities	755,633		1,662,024		66,418		2,484,075
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
Available-for-sale:
AgVantage	—		—		5,070,366		5,070,366
Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	—		—		21,234		21,234
Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	—		—		5,091,600		5,091,600
USDA Securities:
Available-for-sale	—		—		1,553,669		1,553,669
Trading	—		—		58,344		58,344
Total USDA Securities	—		—		1,612,013		1,612,013
Financial derivatives	—		19,718		—		19,718
Total Assets at fair value	$	755,633	$	1,681,742	$	6,770,031	$	9,207,406
Liabilities:
Financial derivatives	$	1	$	75,472	$	235	$	75,708
Total Liabilities at fair value	$	1	$	75,472	$	235	$	75,708
Nonrecurring:
Assets:
Loans held for investment	$	—	$	—	$	4,420	$	4,420
REO	—		—		1,818		1,818
Total Nonrecurring Assets at fair value	$	—	$	—	$	6,238	$	6,238

The following tables present additional information about assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for which Farmer Mac has used significant unobservable inputs to determine fair value. Net transfers in and/or out of level 3 are based on the fair values of the assets and liabilities as of the beginning of the reporting period.

Table 13.2



Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Year Ended December 31, 2014
	Beginning Balance			Purchases		Sales			Settlements			Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Income			Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income			Transfers Out			Ending Balance
	(in thousands)
Recurring:
Assets:
Investment Securities:
Available-for-sale:
Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans	$	65,285		$	—	$	(26,675	)	$	—		$	(825	)	$	2,791		$	—		$	40,576
Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	205			—		—			(205		)	—			—			—			—
Total available-for-sale	65,490			—		(26,675		)	(205		)	(825		)	2,791			—			40,576
Trading:
Floating rate asset-backed securities (1)	928			—		—			(685		)	446			—			—			689
Total trading	928			—		—			(685		)	446			—			—			689
Total Investment Securities	66,418			—		(26,675		)	(890		)	(379		)	2,791			—			41,265
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
Available-for-sale:
AgVantage (2)	5,070,366			1,091,475		—			(922,908		)	14,520			10,995			(1,632,786		)	3,631,662
Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	21,234			7,627		—			(808		)	—			(434		)	—			27,619
Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	5,091,600			1,099,102		—			(923,716		)	14,520			10,561			(1,632,786		)	3,659,281
USDA Securities:
Available-for-sale	1,553,669			335,359		—			(209,400		)	—			51,594			—			1,731,222
Trading (3)	58,344			—		—			(19,185		)	1,151			—			—			40,310
Total USDA Securities	1,612,013			335,359		—			(228,585		)	1,151			51,594			—			1,771,532
Total Assets at fair value	$	6,770,031		$	1,434,461	$	(26,675	)	$	(1,153,191	)	$	15,292		$	64,946		$	(1,632,786	)	$	5,472,078
Liabilities:
Financial derivatives	$	(235	)	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	235		$	—		$	—		$	—
Total Liabilities at fair value	$	(235	)	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	235		$	—		$	—		$	—


(1)	Unrealized gains are attributable to assets still held as of December 31, 2014 and are recorded in "Gains/(losses) on trading securities."


(2)	Includes $1.6 billion of AgVantage Securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity on January 1, 2014 and $20.7 million of AgVantage securities purchased during 2014 transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity.


(3)	Includes unrealized gains of $1.8 million attributable to assets still held as of December 31, 2014 that are recorded in "Gains/(losses) on trading securities."



Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Beginning Balance			Purchases		Sales		Settlements			Realized and Unrealized Gains/ (Losses) included in Income			Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income			Ending Balance
	(in thousands)
Recurring:
Assets:
Investment Securities:
Available-for-sale:
Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans	$	63,159		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	2,126		$	65,285
Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	—			233		—		(24		)	—			(4		)	205
Total available-for-sale	63,159			233		—		(24		)	—			2,122			65,490
Trading:
Floating rate asset-backed securities (1)	1,247			—		—		(774		)	455			—			928
Total trading	1,247			—		—		(774		)	455			—			928
Total Investment Securities	64,406			233		—		(798		)	455			2,122			66,418
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
Available-for-sale:
AgVantage	4,739,577			1,273,500		—		(844,437		)	(18,230		)	(80,044		)	5,070,366
Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	26,681			—		—		(5,214		)	—			(233		)	21,234
Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	4,766,258			1,273,500		—		(849,651		)	(18,230		)	(80,277		)	5,091,600
USDA Securities:
Available-for-sale	1,486,595			361,894		—		(234,035		)	—			(60,785		)	1,553,669
Trading (2)	104,188			—		—		(44,570		)	(1,274		)	—			58,344
Total USDA Securities	1,590,783			361,894		—		(278,605		)	(1,274		)	(60,785		)	1,612,013
Total Assets at fair value	$	6,421,447		$	1,635,627	$	—	$	(1,129,054	)	$	(19,049	)	$	(138,940	)	$	6,770,031
Liabilities:
Financial derivatives (3)	$	(691	)	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	456		$	—		$	(235	)
Total Liabilities at fair value	$	(691	)	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	456		$	—		$	(235	)


(1)	Unrealized gains are attributable to assets still held as of December 31, 2013 and are recorded in "Gains/(losses) on trading securities."


(2)	Includes unrealized losses of $0.5 million attributable to assets still held as of December 31, 2013 that are recorded in "Gains/(losses) on trading securities."


(3)	Unrealized gains are attributable to liabilities still held as of December 31, 2013 and are recorded in "(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities."



Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for the Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Beginning Balance			Purchases		Sales			Settlements			Realized and Unrealized Gains/ (Losses) included in Income		Unrealized Gains/(Losses) included in Other Comprehen-sive Income			Ending Balance
	(in thousands)
Recurring:
Assets:
Investment Securities:
Available-for-sale:
Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans	$	60,213		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	2,946		$	63,159
Total available-for-sale	60,213			—		—			—			—		2,946			63,159
Trading:
Floating rate asset-backed securities (1)	1,796			—		—			(812		)	263		—			1,247
Total trading	1,796			—		—			(812		)	263		—			1,247
Total Investment Securities	62,009			—		—			(812		)	263		2,946			64,406
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
Available-for-sale:
AgVantage	4,253,673			984,406		—			(498,533		)	6,388		(6,357		)	4,739,577
Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	35,599			5,327		(5,327		)	(8,907		)	—		(11		)	26,681
Total Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	4,289,272			989,733		(5,327		)	(507,440		)	6,388		(6,368		)	4,766,258
USDA Securities:
Available-for-sale	1,279,546			479,324		—			(256,685		)	—		(15,590		)	1,486,595
Trading (2)	212,359			—		—			(108,215		)	44		—			104,188
Total USDA Securities	1,491,905			479,324		—			(364,900		)	44		(15,590		)	1,590,783
Total Assets at fair value	$	5,843,186		$	1,469,057	$	(5,327	)	$	(873,152	)	$	6,695	$	(19,012	)	$	6,421,447
Liabilities:
Financial derivatives (3)	$	(1,335	)	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	644	$	—		$	(691	)
Total Liabilities at fair value	$	(1,335	)	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	644	$	—		$	(691	)


(1)	Unrealized gains are attributable to assets still held as of December 31, 2012 and are recorded in "Gains/(losses) on trading securities."


(2)	Includes unrealized gains of $0.3 million attributable to assets still held as of December 31, 2012 that are recorded in "Gains/(losses) on trading securities."


(3)	Unrealized gains are attributable to liabilities still held as of December 31, 2012 and are recorded in "(Losses)/gains on financial derivatives and hedging activities."

The following tables present additional information about the significant unobservable inputs, such as discount rates and constant prepayment rates ("CPR"), used in the fair value measurements categorized in level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Table 13.3



	As of December 31, 2014
Financial Instruments	Fair Value		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted-Average)
	(in thousands)
Assets:
Investment securities:
Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans	$	40,576	Indicative bids	Range of broker quotes	82.0% - 94.0% (87.1%)
Floating rate asset-backed securities	$	689	Discounted cash flow	Discount rate	14.3% - 23.9% (19.1%)
				CPR	10%
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
AgVantage	$	3,631,662	Discounted cash flow	Discount rate	0.7% - 2.7% (1.3%)
Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	$	27,619	Discounted cash flow	Discount rate	0.8% - 3.6% (1.9%)
				CPR	0% - 21% (9%)
USDA Securities	$	1,771,532	Discounted cash flow	Discount rate	1.1% - 5.3% (3.2%)
				CPR	0% - 20% (8%)



	As of December 31, 2013
Financial Instruments	Fair Value		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted-Average)
	(in thousands)
Assets:
Investment securities:
Floating rate auction-rate certificates backed by Government guaranteed student loans	$	65,285	Indicative bids	Range of broker quotes	82.0% - 92.0% (88.1%)
Floating rate asset-backed securities	$	928	Discounted cash flow	Discount rate	13.0% - 22.5% (17.7%)
				CPR	10%
Floating rate Government/GSE guaranteed mortgage-backed securities	$	205	Discounted cash flow	Discount rate	1.8% - 1.8% (1.8%)
				CPR	6%
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities:
AgVantage	$	5,070,366	Discounted cash flow	Discount rate	0.9% - 3.6% (1.8%)
Farmer Mac Guaranteed USDA Securities	$	21,234	Discounted cash flow	Discount rate	0.9% - 3.2% (1.9%)
				CPR	7% - 14% (11%)
USDA Securities	$	1,612,013	Discounted cash flow	Discount rate	1.2% - 5.3% (3.4%)
				CPR	0% - 23% (5%)
Liabilities:
Financial Derivatives:
Basis swaps	$	235	Discounted cash flow	Discount rate	0.7% - 2.3% (1.3%)
				CPR	10% - 11% (10%)

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements of Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities and USDA Securities are prepayment rates and discount rates commensurate with the risks involved. Typically, significant increases (decreases) in any of these inputs in isolation may result in materially lower (higher) fair value measurements. Generally, in a rising interest rate environment, Farmer Mac would expect average discount rates to increase and would likely expect a corresponding decrease in forecasted prepayment rates. Conversely, in a declining interest rate environment, Farmer Mac would expect average discount rates to decrease and would likely expect a corresponding increase in forecasted prepayment rates. Prepayment rates are not presented in the table above for AgVantage securities because they generally do not pay down principal based on amortization schedules but instead typically have fixed maturity dates when the secured general obligations are due.

Disclosures on Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following table sets forth the estimated fair values and carrying values for financial assets, liabilities, and guarantees and commitments as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:

Table 13.4



	As of December 31, 2014				As of December 31, 2013
	Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount
	(in thousands)
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,363,387	$	1,363,387	$	749,313	$	749,313
Investment securities	1,939,188		1,939,188		2,484,075		2,484,075
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	5,459,857		5,453,901		5,091,600		5,091,600
USDA Securities	1,771,532		1,771,532		1,612,013		1,612,013
Loans	3,547,424		3,520,075		3,138,932		3,193,248
Financial derivatives	4,177		4,177		19,718		19,718
Guarantee and commitment fees receivable:
LTSPCs	29,095		27,807		33,807		27,244
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	14,200		13,979		18,470		16,660
Financial liabilities:
Notes payable:
Due within one year	7,357,770		7,353,953		7,353,356		7,338,781
Due after one year	5,556,570		5,471,186		4,977,942		5,001,169
Debt securities of consolidated trusts held by third parties	423,085		424,214		257,512		261,760
Financial derivatives	84,844		84,844		75,708		75,708
Guarantee and commitment obligations:
LTSPCs	28,130		26,843		32,856		26,293
Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities	11,303		11,082		15,185		13,374

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents is a reasonable estimate of their approximate fair value and is classified as level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Investment securities primarily are valued based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and are classified as level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Farmer Mac internally models the fair value of its loan portfolio, including loans held for sale, loans held for investment and loans held for investment in consolidated trusts, Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities, and USDA Securities by discounting the projected cash flows of these instruments at projected interest rates. The fair values are based on the present value of expected cash flows using management's best estimate of certain key assumptions, which include prepayment speeds, forward yield curves and discount rates commensurate with the risks involved. These fair value measurements do not take into consideration the fair value of the underlying property and are classified as level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. Financial derivatives primarily are valued using unadjusted counterparty valuations and are classified as level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the guarantee fees receivable/obligation and debt securities of consolidated trusts are estimated based on the present value of expected future cash flows of the underlying mortgage assets using management's best estimate of certain key assumptions, which include prepayments speeds, forward yield curves, and discount rates commensurate with the risks involved and are classified as level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. Notes payable are valued by discounting the expected cash flows of these instruments using a yield curve derived from market prices observed for similar agency securities and are also classified as level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. Because the cash flows of Farmer Mac's financial instruments may be interest rate path dependent, estimated fair values and projected discount rates for level 3 financial instruments are derived using a Monte Carlo simulation model. Different market assumptions and estimation methodologies could significantly affect estimated fair value amounts.