Everything you need to know about starting a career in farming or ranching is now available on the U.S. Department of Agriculture website. As part of the Farm Bill, USDA announced last week "a new website that will provide a centralized, one-stop resource where
beginning farmers and ranchers can explore the variety of USDA
initiatives designed to help them succeed," says a news release from the organization.
Because the average age of principal farm operators is 58.3—up from 57.1 in 2007, according to the Census of Agriculture—USDA is focusing attention on getting younger Americans interested in
farming, Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden said in the release. She said,
"Our new online tool will provide one-stop shopping for beginning
farmers
to learn more about accessing USDA services that can help their
operations thrive."
The release said the site "has in-depth information for new farmers and ranchers, including: how to
increase access to land and capital; build new market opportunities;
participate in conservation opportunities; select and use the right risk
management tools; and access USDA education and technical support
programs. These issues have been identified as top priorities by new
farmers. The website will also feature instructive case studies about
beginning farmers who have successfully utilized USDA resources to start
or expand their business operations." (Read more)
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