by Amber Roberts, Extension Educator
In 1862 Abraham Lincoln first used the term the people's department to describe USDA; this is just as true today. The 2018 farm bill established a beginning farmer and rancher program. In this recorded webinar, four different USDA agencies share the programs and resources they have available for beginning farmers.
If you are looking to identify your local service center to discuss these beginning farmer programs, visit farmers.gov. Service centers through USDA remain open but are limited in their ability to provide in-person activity. The best way to get in contact is to start with a phone call or an email to your local service center. Newfarmers.usda.gov can also help you in identifying the USDA resources that match your farming needs.
07:03 Farm Service Agency Loans (FSA) with Brian Hartman
13:11 Risk Management Agency (RMA) with Brain Frieden
18:17 Rural Development (RD) with Andrew Gag
To learn more about these agencies or beginning farmer programs, you can contact the Minnesota Beginning Farmer Coordinator Liz Ludwig. Or visit the following agencies' websites:
FSA Outreach News & Alerts:www.fsa.usda.gov/Natural Resource Conservation Services: Home | NRCS Minnesota (usda.gov)
Risk Management Agency: Home | RMA (usda.gov)
