How USDA Can Help You Transition to a Career in Agriculture

If you’ve always been drawn to the land and see farming as another way to serve your community and country, perhaps a career in agriculture is for you when you transition out of the military. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is standing by with resources to help you succeed in making such a transition. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the programs they offer to veterans.

If you’re new to farming, a good place to start is to contact your state Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinator. You also can learn more about starting your own farm with support from the USDA.

Three more key USDA programs for new farmers:

• Get the funds you need: If you need financial support to get your farming operation up and running, the USDA Farm Service Agency offers a variety of funding opportunities. Some of these funds are specifically designated for veterans.

• Learn conservation practices: USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service offers conservation programs and expert one-on-one technical assistance to help you conserve natural resources. As a veteran, you may be eligible for a cost share of up to 90 percent and advance payments of up to 50 percent to cover certain conservation practices. In addition, check out the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

• Manage your risks: In agriculture, you assume certain risks. USDA can help you prepare for and recover from unexpected circumstances. Veterans who are beginning farmers may be eligible for reduced premiums, increased insurance coverage, and other incentives for multiple USDA programs that support risk management.

USDA also offers financing options to help you get your operation off the ground. Here’s a quick rundown of two you should know about.

• Farm Service Agency (FSA) Loans. FSA makes direct farm ownership and operating loans to family-size farmers and ranchers who cannot obtain commercial credit from a bank, Farm Credit System institution, or other lender. You can use these loans to purchase land, livestock, equipment, feed, seed, and supplies, or to construct buildings or make farm improvements.

• Beginning Farmers and Ranchers. In partnership with the Farm Service Agency, USDA provides direct and guaranteed loans to beginning farmers and ranchers.

You can count on USDA and its wealth of resources to ensure you have what you need when you move from a military career to one in agriculture. For free one-on-one assistance, contact one of more than 2,300 USDA Service Centers.

Learn about one veteran’s experience transitioning to farming at Fridays On The Farm.