New, Beginning Farmers
General Programs
Visit this website to view a list of resources available to new and beginning farmers including articles, training programs, and industry-specific resources.
- The Farm Answers Library features over 5,400 materials including apps, audio, online courses, presentations, written materials, and videos to help answer your farming and ranching questions.
- The National Young Farmer Coalition represents, mobilizes, and engages young farmers to ensure their success. This coalition is membership-based and serves states across the US through efforts relating to land access, water, food safety, advocacy and supply discounts. Idaho does not currently have a chapter.
- Here is a guidebook created by the Farm Service Agency and the National Young Farmers Coalition to navigate FSA financial assistance.
Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition
- Virginia Tech hosts resources in this program that are valuable for beginning farmers across the nation.
- Here is a link to some of their fantastic publications!
Beginning Farmers offers information on how to start a farm, planning a new farm, funding resources and finding land to start your farm on. They cover all areas of farming from raising chickens and goats to mushroom production, and urban farms to business farming. Internships and employment opportunities posted regularly.
AgPlan is an easy business plan app that anyone can use. Develop your own business plan, learn what you need to include in your plan with tips & resources, and view sample business plans for ideas. You’ll also have the ability to share your plan by downloading and printing it.
This platform from Iowa State University has a variety of information files to help you with financial planning, understanding key concepts of financial management, and more.
Idaho Small Business Development Center
The Idaho Small Business Development Center’s mission is to accelerate Idaho’s business success. The SBDC provides trainings, resources, and business consultations at no-cost to Idaho
This site includes information about distance learning college courses for high school students in rural and the information regarding ISU’s mental health services
Financial Education
University of Idaho Extension – Idaho AgBiz
This program contains resource for budgets, regionally specific market information, publications and decision aids. Idaho AgBiz concentrates on Idaho specific agribusiness and farm management information.
Cultivating Success – University of Idaho Extension
Cultivating Success offers a variety of educational programming including courses, workshops, webinars, and on-farm learning. Programs are open to experienced and beginning farmers.
- Farm Financials Statements– The financial position and performance of a farm business can be summarized by four important financial statements – net worth statement, net income statement, statement of cash flows, and statement of owner equity.
A farm income statement (sometimes called a profit and loss statement) is a summary of income and expenses that occurred during a specified accounting period, usually the calendar year for farmers.
Idaho Young Farmers and Ranchers
This program provides a blend of training, networking, leadership opportunities, and good old-fashioned fun for Farm Bureau members between the ages of 18-35. Each Farm Bureau district in Idaho has a YF&R committee chair that helps organize events and activity in their region. Click here to join Idaho YF&R!
Financial Assistance
Business Basics for Beginning Farmers
If you’re interested in starting a farm enterprise, this webinar covers business management concepts important for beginning farmers.
Farm Service Agency – Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Loans
- America’s next generation of farmers and ranchers are supported by several FSA loans
- Click here for an overview of all loans and resources offered by the USDA Farm Service Agency.
- The State Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinator for Idaho is Madeleine Cantu. She can be reached at madeleine.cantu@usda.gov
Idaho State Department of Agriculture Development Loan
- The ISDA Development Loan offers financing and assistance to individuals and organizations in Idaho whose agricultural projects or efforts will provide for Rural Economic Development in Idaho. The Development Loan focuses on individuals and organizations who cannot obtain credit from conventional sources. Click the link above for more information!
The Idaho Bankers Association is comprised of various member institutions throughout the state of Idaho that offer loans and financial assistance to new farmers and ranchers.
AgWest Farm Credit Young, Beginning or Small Program
This program is hosted by AgWest and available to young, beginning and small producers. The program offers financing options, and additional service features.
AgWest Farm Credit New Producer Grants
This grant opportunity celebrates the ingenuity and passion of new producers and helps their dreams come to fruition. This program was developed for those who have a vision for their operation but lack the funds to put their plans into action. Follow the link for more info and updates on application deadlines.
This program is designed to meet the needs of young, beginning, small, minority, female, or veteran farmers and ranchers. Visit the program website to see if you qualify to receive financial assistance.
Find a banking expert to help you find the financial resources you need specifically for your farm or ranch.
Industry Innovation Association
Industry Innovation Association specializes in finding resources that help innovate industries. Find the Agricultural Loan guide with the link above!
Financial Management Resources
General Programs
The Farm Answers Library features over 5,400 materials including apps, audio, online courses, presentations, written materials, and videos to help answer your farming and ranching questions.
University of Idaho Extension – Idaho AgBiz
This program contains resources for budgets, regionally specific market information, publications, and decision aids. Idaho AgBiz concentrates on Idaho-specific agribusiness and farm management information.
Idaho Small Business Development Center
The Idaho Small Business Development Center’s mission is to accelerate Idaho’s business success. The SBDC provides trainings, resources, and business consultations at no-cost to Idaho businesses.
- Annie’s Project offers a variety of extension classes across the country that educate farm women on risk management. The classes empower farm women to be better business partners through networks and by managing and organizing critical information. Click here to see courses offered.
- Browse resources by Annie’s Project and sponsors
- Annie’s Project workshops are available in Idaho. To learn more contact Colette DePhelps (cdephelps@uidaho.edu).
Resources
University of Idaho Extension – Idaho AgBiz
This program contains resource for budgets, regionally specific market information, publications and decision aids. Idaho AgBiz concentrates on Idaho specific agribusiness and farm management information.
- This platform from Iowa State University has a variety of information files to help you with financial planning, understanding key concepts of financial management, and more.
Industry Innovation Association
Industry Innovation Association specializes in finding resources that help innovate industries. Find the Agricultural Loan guide with the link!
Educational Resources
University of Idaho Extension – Idaho AgBiz
This program contains resources for budgets, regionally specific market information, publications, and decision aids. Idaho AgBiz concentrates on Idaho-specific agribusiness and farm management information.
- The Ranching For Profit School will help you find the breakthroughs that will improve the health and productivity of your ranch, the profitability of your business and the quality of your life. Visit their website to learn more.
- Visit the economics and finance section of profit tips.
- See dates and locations for upcoming schools here.
- For over 35 years producers have used Holistic Management practices to improve the land, grow nutritious food, and play a vital role in their local communities. Holistic Management is a value-based decision-making framework that integrates all aspects of planning for social, economic, and environmental considerations.
- Check out training programs for any level of experience or type of background.
- Find events near you!
Ten tactics to face farm financial issues – Iowa State University