Farm Business & Funding

USDA land loans explained: FSA direct and guaranteed farm ownership loans, down payment options, eligibility, timelines and when to use Farm Credit instead.

Farm loans for beginning farmers explained: FSA direct and microloans, Farm Credit, CDFIs, what lenders ask for, and how to apply. Start here before…

Farm credit financing explained: how Farm Credit lenders work, loan types, who qualifies, and how to apply. See how it compares with FSA and…

Learn how to start a small farm with little money: pick an enterprise, lease or buy land, budget, licensing, funding and a 12-month launch…

USDA custom exempt processing vs USDA-inspected: what each lets you sell, how state programs fit in, and how to book a processor. Read before…

Selling at farmers markets works best with the right market, booth, pricing, SNAP access and email list. Get practical steps to grow your sales.

Learn how to write a farm business plan, from vision to financials and risk, with a simple outline template you can fill in this…

Learn how to price farm products using cost of production, labor, overhead and margins, plus wholesale tiers and a worked example. See the steps.

Carbon credits for farmers explained: how soil carbon programs pay, how carbon is measured, contract terms, additionality and what to ask. Read before you…

The Conservation Stewardship Program pays farmers to maintain and expand conservation. Learn how CSP differs from EQIP, eligibility, and how to apply.

Farm grants for beginning farmers are rarer than loans. Learn which USDA, SARE, state and nonprofit programs to try first and how to apply.…

Learn how to sell grass-fed beef direct: whole, half and quarter shares, processing rules, pricing math, deposits and repeat buyers. Start building your list.