Beginning Farmer & Rancher
Support for New Farmers & Ranchers
New and beginning farmers and ranchers often face challenges establishing an agricultural enterprise. Issues such as access to land and capital, business planning, and marketing are some of the many challenges that may be encountered. OSU Extension and partner agencies have resources and information to support new and beginning farmers and ranchers as they work to build thriving farm and ranch enterprises.
This webpage was developed with support from the USDA/NIFA BFRDP program under Award Number 2024-49400-43629
What is a Beginning Farmer?
The term 'beginning' has nothing to do with age. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines a beginning farmer or rancher as one who has operated any farm or ranch for 10 years or less.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Services Exist for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers?
Your local county Extension office can provide you with assistance and pertinent information to support your farm or ranch. Additionally, the USDA has special assistance programs for beginning farmers and ranchers to address some of the barriers to start-up and create more opportunities for developing agricultural enterprises. Each state has a USDA program coordinator who can help you better understand the USDA programs and services available to you.
What Financial Support Exists for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers?
The United States Department of Agriculture and its agencies such as the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) have a variety of programs designed to support beginning farmers and ranchers. These include various loan programs and some cost-share and grant funding opportunities. For more information about specific programs and eligibility requirements, visit program specific online sites or speak directly with the local FSA office. Farm Credit also provides financing for beginning farm and ranch business through its farm credit institutions in each state. These farm credit institutions provide loans and financial services to farmers and ranchers, farmer-owned cooperatives, rural homebuyers, and agribusinesses,
Beginning Farmer & Rancher Resources
Fact Sheets
OSU Extension researchers have released publications to assist those with an interest in farming and ranching.
Online Classes
OSU provides online courses designed to assist farmers and ranchers.
- Direct to Consumer Meat
- FSA Borrower Training
- Introduction to Beef Cattle Nutrition
- Introduction to Beekeeping
- Market Gardening 1: Soil Management
- Market Gardening 2: Cool-Season Crop Production
- Market Gardening 3: Warm-Season Vegetable Production
- Market Gardening 4: Fruit Production
- Market Gardening 5: Irrigation
- Quicken for Farm & Ranch Financial Record Keeping
Events, Programs & Other Resources
OSU organizes a range of events and programs aimed at supporting the agricultural community.