New to farming? Want to learn how to start a farm? USDA can help and offers additional assistance to beginning farmers and ranchers. USDA considers anyone who has operated a farm or ranch for less than ten years to be a beginning farmer or rancher. USDA can help you get started or grow your operation through a variety of programs and services, from farm loans to crop insurance, and conservation programs to disaster assistance.
Get Started
- Questions? Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinators
- Factsheet for New Farmers
- Learn About Your USDA Service Center
- What do you want see on your state's farmers.gov dashboard? Check out the Iowa pilot and let us know.
Why Work with USDA
Advice and Guidance
A new farm or ranch business relies on good planning.
We can guide you to resources for your business plan.
We can also provide free technical assistance and help you develop a conservation plan for your land.
You might want to learn about the Score Mentorship Program to learn from a fellow farmer.
Local and regional agricultural organizations like Cooperative Extension offer training to beginning farmers.
Access to Capital
Access to capital enables you to buy or lease land, buy equipment, and help with other operating costs. Learn more about resources for access to land and capital.
See more information on other USDA funding for your operation or learn specifically about Farm Service Agency’s Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Loans.
Conservation, Insurance and Disaster Assistance
Conservation programs can help you take care of natural resources while improving the efficiencies on your operation.
Agriculture is an inherently risky business. It’s important to plan for everyday business risks and those brought on by natural disasters. Federal crop insurance and the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program are good options for managing risk.
We also offer disaster assistance to help your farm recover.
How to Work with USDA to Start a Farm
Service Centers
Your first step should be to contact your USDA Service Center and make an appointment. Be sure to ask what documents you’ll need. Also consider -- what is your vision for your land and farm? What are your challenges?
If you need information in a language other than English, we can offer free translation services.
Farmer Coordinators
Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinators are USDA team members that can help you understand the USDA process and find the right assistance for your operation. We have coordinators across the country.
Self-service Options
Learn how to sign up for a farmers.gov account. You can view loan information and manage conservation business online here.
We also have a number of tools to help you: find the right loan; learn about recovery options after natural disasters; or discover conservation options.
Specialty Farmer Groups
Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers
We offer help for the unique concerns of producers who meet the USDA definition of “historically underserved” -- beginning, socially disadvantaged, limited resource, and military veterans. In addition, women in agriculture are helping to pave the way for a better future. Use this self-determination tool to determine if you’re a limited resource producer.
If you inherited land without a clear title or documented legal ownership, learn more about how USDA can help Heirs’ Property Landowners establish a farm number to gain access to a variety of programs and services.
If you are a producer with disabilities, organizations like Agrability offer services that can help adapt and modify farm equipment to be more accessible.
Urban Farmers
USDA has been helping more and more farms and gardens in urban centers. Learn about our Urban Farming funding and resources.
The NRCS Urban Agriculture webpage can help with things like high tunnels, composting, and pest management.
Organic Farmers
If you are an organic farmer, you can apply for the same loans and programs as conventional farmers. You may also apply for USDA to pay a portion of your certification through the FSA Organic Certification Cost Share Program.
For specific conservation assistance that may interest you, check out NRCS Assistance for Organics.
The USDA National Organic Program has resources from a comprehensive list of organic farms to certification information.
Learn more about USDA programs, services, and resources available for organic farmers.
USDA Support for Beginning Farmers
Dominique Herman, a Beginning Farmer from New York, utilizes assistance from FSA to help her keep her mentor's dream alive through a flock of Merino Sheep following tragedy.
Get Involved
In addition to our farm programs, there are many leadership opportunities for beginning farmers to contribute their voices and experience. Through USDA, you can take advantage of several key opportunities like committee elections, research and promotion programs, and federal advisory committees.
Learn more about how to connect with your agricultural community
Additional Resources
- February 10, 2023: Fridays on the Farm: From Veteran to Beginning Farmer
- November 9, 2022: USDA Releases Nationwide Farmer, Rancher and Forest Manager Prospective Customer Survey
- October 2022 Webinar: Organic Agriculture and the National Organic Program
- October 4, 2022: RMA Offers Virtual Workshops on Improvements to the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection and Micro Farm Insurance Options
- Brochure: Small Business Administration USDA Loan
- Farmers.gov Blog: Beginning Farmers
- Have a Question? AskUSDA
- Get Started! A Guide to USDA Resources for Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers
- September 2022: CRP and TIP: Outreach, Technical Assistance, and Research Agreements - Webinar Video and Slide Presentation
- July 21, 2022: Outreach Video - Business of Farming and Ranching
- February 8, 2022: Tax Webinar Video - Disaster and Casualty Losses: Related Income Tax Rules
- February 7, 2022: Tax Webinar Video - Weather Related Sales of Livestock: Income Tax Management Issues
- May 6, 2021: Listening Session on Impacts of Covid-19 on New Farmers
- May 4, 2021 News Release: USDA Announces Listening Session on Impacts of COVID-19 on New Farmers
- November 9, 2020: Blog: USDA Service Centers Provide Free, One-on-One Help for Farmers
- October 28, 2020: USDA’s Support for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers
- October 1, 2020: Rural Energy for America (REAP) Guaranteed Loans & Grants
- August 11, 2020 News Release: USDA Announces More Eligible Commodities for CFAP
- July 9, 2020 News Release: Additional Commodities Now Eligible for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
- April 24, 2020 Blog: Ask the Expert: Beginning Farmer and Rancher Q&A with Sarah Campbell
Find Your Local Service Center
USDA Service Centers are locations where you can connect with Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development employees for your business needs. Enter your state and county below to find your local service center and agency offices. If this locator does not work in your browser, please visit offices.usda.gov.
Visit the Risk Management Agency website to find a regional or compliance office or to find an insurance agent near you.