USDA Resources for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers

Starting a farm has never been easy, and for today’s beginning farmers and ranchers, the cost of land, equipment, livestock, and operating expenses can make getting established feel nearly impossible. But there are USDA programs designed to help, and understanding where to start can make a major difference. On this episode of North American Ag Spotlight, Chrissy Wozniak speaks with Amanda Robertson, National Outreach Specialist and Beginning Farmer and Rancher Regional Coordinator with the USDA Farm Service Agency. Amanda is also a sixth-generation farmer from Russell Springs, Kentucky, where her family operates a registered Angus and Hereford cattle operation.  Amanda explains that USDA does not define a beginning farmer by age. Instead, the designation generally applies to someone who has not operated a farm for more than ten years. She also discusses some of the biggest barriers facing new producers today, particularly access to land and capital, and explains how FSA low-interest loan programs can help producers get started.  The conversation walks through where a new farmer should begin with USDA, including why the local Farm Service Agency office is often the first stop and how farmers.gov can help producers understand available programs, prepare for meetings, and build a path toward financing, crop insurance, and other resources. Amanda also explains the importance of getting established in the USDA system with a farm serial number.  Chrissy and Amanda also dig into financing, including FSA’s microloan program for loans of $50,000 or less, and why a solid business plan, realistic projections, and honest communication with a loan officer are essential. Amanda encourages producers to be conservative in their estimates and avoid taking on unnecessary debt simply to have the newest equipment.    They also discuss how USDA measures success beyond simple enrollment numbers, including whether producers expand operations, improve land, participate in additional programs, or move into value-added agriculture. Amanda explains that USDA tries to track the longer-term journey of beginning farmers and how programs help them move from startup to growth.  Amanda also shares her perspective on mentorship, stressing the value of learning directly from experienced farmers who have seen both the good and the bad of agriculture. She encourages aspiring producers not to give up on the idea of farming simply because the barriers look overwhelming at first.  The episode also previews Amanda’s upcoming appearance at the Women in Agribusiness Summit in New Orleans, where she will participate in the Farmers’ Programs’ Practical Implementation panel. The discussion will bring together USDA and producer perspectives to show how farmers have successfully used federal programs to build operations from the ground up. Learn more at farmers.gov/new-farmers Send us Fan Mail Schedule a demo today at ecorobotix.com Introducing FarmNewsDaily.com - your source for agriculture news! Subscribe to North American Ag at https://northamericanag.com