4 answers
Hayden
Student
Atlantic, Iowa
3
Questions
4 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1085
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Hayden,
I don't know what your situation is, e.g. if you come from a farming family where land and skills are passed down or if you are just starting out on your own. Either way, you need to develop a solid business plan for your farm, everything from finances, to crop decisions to marketing and sales and taxes. It's a lot!
If you are just starting out, you need to get experience in the practical aspects of running and working a farm before you dive in. See if you can find a job on an established farm. Iowa Learning Farms has the Emerging Farmers Project. And Practical Farmers of Iowa has a lot of information and resources for new farmers as well.
The State of Iowa has several programs that support new farmers, e.g. the Beginning Farmer Loan Program, the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit Program. The USDA is another source of support e.g. through the Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Loans.
Organizations you should know:
Iowa Economic Development Authority - https://opportunityiowa.gov
US Department of Agriculture - https://www.fsa.usda.gov
Iowa Department of Natural Resources - https://www.iowadnr.gov
Practical Farmers of Iowa - https://practicalfarmers.org
Iowa State University, Beginning Farmer Center - https://beginningfarmer.iastate.edu
Iowa Learning Farms - https://www.iowalearningfarms.org/emerging-farmers
Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Program - https://www.iowafarmbureau.com/Farmer-Resources/Farm-Bureau-Leaders/Young-Farmer-Program
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://opportunityiowa.gov/business/small-business-entrepreneurs/beginning-farmers/beginning-farmer-loan-program
https://opportunityiowa.gov/business/small-business-entrepreneurs/beginning-farmers/beginning-farmer-tax-credit-program
https://www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/beginning-farmers-and-ranchers-loans
https://www.iowadnr.gov/programs-services/beginning-farming-habitat-leases
https://practicalfarmers.org/programs/beginning-farmers/beginning-farmer-resources
I don't know what your situation is, e.g. if you come from a farming family where land and skills are passed down or if you are just starting out on your own. Either way, you need to develop a solid business plan for your farm, everything from finances, to crop decisions to marketing and sales and taxes. It's a lot!
If you are just starting out, you need to get experience in the practical aspects of running and working a farm before you dive in. See if you can find a job on an established farm. Iowa Learning Farms has the Emerging Farmers Project. And Practical Farmers of Iowa has a lot of information and resources for new farmers as well.
The State of Iowa has several programs that support new farmers, e.g. the Beginning Farmer Loan Program, the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit Program. The USDA is another source of support e.g. through the Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Loans.
Organizations you should know:
Iowa Economic Development Authority - https://opportunityiowa.gov
US Department of Agriculture - https://www.fsa.usda.gov
Iowa Department of Natural Resources - https://www.iowadnr.gov
Practical Farmers of Iowa - https://practicalfarmers.org
Iowa State University, Beginning Farmer Center - https://beginningfarmer.iastate.edu
Iowa Learning Farms - https://www.iowalearningfarms.org/emerging-farmers
Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Program - https://www.iowafarmbureau.com/Farmer-Resources/Farm-Bureau-Leaders/Young-Farmer-Program
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Hayden !
When it comes to farming in the United States, there is so much information about it that it wouldn't fit in the space here. It also depends on what type of farming you are speaking of as there are various types of farming. It's good that you are starting to explore this. It helps if you inherit a farm and it's another story if you want to buy or start a farm. Also, the government is very much involved and establishes very precise and strict rules to follow if you want a farm.
I would suggest that you visit and do volunteer work to shadow farming at Bridgewater Farm and/or Oak Hill Acres which are two farms nearby where you live. This will teach you on a long term basis all about the ins and outs of farming. Many farms are still owned by families but many are also owned by non-farmers like entrepreneurs. You can explore this by reading more about it at the link below. Become familiar with the types of farms there are by reading online at the link I have left for you below. There's also a link below to information on how to start a farm.
One of your other questions has to do with avoiding debt as a farmer. This is not possible to know now unless you start farming and see how it goes for you or you already have a farm and have a very specific situation which you haven't indicated in your inquiries. Everyone's farming experience is quite different and advice about debt is a case by case thing, not in general. So my advice is to get a foundational understanding by volunteering and reading about farming and take it a step at a time as there is a lot to learn about farming.
So, your first step with this is to actually do some digging (excuse the pun) and read about farming. There are also a lot of videos on You Tube about Farming.
I hope this helps to start you out. Reading, watching videos and volunteering at a farm will cover the wide scope of what you'd need to know about farming. Best wishes to you !
LARGEST FARM OWNERS IN THE UNITED STATES https://www.landapp.com/post/who-are-the-largest-farmland-owners-in-the-united-states
VARIOUS TYPES OF FARMS https://hellohomestead.com/a-guide-to-types-of-farms/
HOW TO START A FARM https://www.farmers.gov/your-business/beginning-farmers
When it comes to farming in the United States, there is so much information about it that it wouldn't fit in the space here. It also depends on what type of farming you are speaking of as there are various types of farming. It's good that you are starting to explore this. It helps if you inherit a farm and it's another story if you want to buy or start a farm. Also, the government is very much involved and establishes very precise and strict rules to follow if you want a farm.
I would suggest that you visit and do volunteer work to shadow farming at Bridgewater Farm and/or Oak Hill Acres which are two farms nearby where you live. This will teach you on a long term basis all about the ins and outs of farming. Many farms are still owned by families but many are also owned by non-farmers like entrepreneurs. You can explore this by reading more about it at the link below. Become familiar with the types of farms there are by reading online at the link I have left for you below. There's also a link below to information on how to start a farm.
One of your other questions has to do with avoiding debt as a farmer. This is not possible to know now unless you start farming and see how it goes for you or you already have a farm and have a very specific situation which you haven't indicated in your inquiries. Everyone's farming experience is quite different and advice about debt is a case by case thing, not in general. So my advice is to get a foundational understanding by volunteering and reading about farming and take it a step at a time as there is a lot to learn about farming.
So, your first step with this is to actually do some digging (excuse the pun) and read about farming. There are also a lot of videos on You Tube about Farming.
I hope this helps to start you out. Reading, watching videos and volunteering at a farm will cover the wide scope of what you'd need to know about farming. Best wishes to you !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Hayden!
Farm government subsidies are financial help from the federal government for farmers and agricultural businesses. They assist with disaster relief, risk management, and improving farming methods, including conservation efforts. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) runs programs that give money and support to farmers to strengthen agriculture and ensure food security.
SEE https://govfacts.org/federal/agriculture/understanding-usda-farm-subsidies-are-you-eligible/
The U.S. government offers a variety of grants and loans to support farmers, ranging from direct and guaranteed loans to grants for specific agricultural activities. Here are some key programs available:
Farm Service Agency (FSA): Provides direct and guaranteed loans to family-size farmers and ranchers who cannot obtain commercial credit. These loans can be used for purchasing land, livestock, equipment, feed, seed, and supplies, as well as constructing buildings or making farm improvements.
USDA Multi-Family Housing Programs: Offers Rural Rental Housing Loans to provide affordable multi-family rental housing for very low-, low-, and moderate-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
FSMIP: A matching grant program that provides matching funds to State Departments of Agriculture and other appropriate State agencies to explore new market opportunities for food and agricultural products and encourage research and innovation.
SCBGP: Funds can be requested to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, defined as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and nursery crops (including floriculture).
FMPP: Created through the amendment of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976, these grants are targeted to help improve and expand domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities.
These programs are designed to support various aspects of farming, from land acquisition and equipment purchases to marketing and conservation efforts. Farmers can apply for these grants through the USDA's website or other designated channels.
GOD BLESS!
Farm government subsidies are financial help from the federal government for farmers and agricultural businesses. They assist with disaster relief, risk management, and improving farming methods, including conservation efforts. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) runs programs that give money and support to farmers to strengthen agriculture and ensure food security.
SEE https://govfacts.org/federal/agriculture/understanding-usda-farm-subsidies-are-you-eligible/
The U.S. government offers a variety of grants and loans to support farmers, ranging from direct and guaranteed loans to grants for specific agricultural activities. Here are some key programs available:
Farm Service Agency (FSA): Provides direct and guaranteed loans to family-size farmers and ranchers who cannot obtain commercial credit. These loans can be used for purchasing land, livestock, equipment, feed, seed, and supplies, as well as constructing buildings or making farm improvements.
USDA Multi-Family Housing Programs: Offers Rural Rental Housing Loans to provide affordable multi-family rental housing for very low-, low-, and moderate-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
FSMIP: A matching grant program that provides matching funds to State Departments of Agriculture and other appropriate State agencies to explore new market opportunities for food and agricultural products and encourage research and innovation.
SCBGP: Funds can be requested to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, defined as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and nursery crops (including floriculture).
FMPP: Created through the amendment of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976, these grants are targeted to help improve and expand domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities.
These programs are designed to support various aspects of farming, from land acquisition and equipment purchases to marketing and conservation efforts. Farmers can apply for these grants through the USDA's website or other designated channels.
GOD BLESS!
Monica Janak
Organizational Change Management and Project Management
3
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Monica’s Answer
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office is a great source to get started with information and education on farming. Extension offices and agents are located throughout Texas, but you may also review their online site for readily available content.
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