Farmers and Ranchers


Assisting Farmers and Ranchers
in locating the information they need.
Spotlights
Start2Farm.gov Logo Start2Farm.Gov Clearinghouse

United States Department of Agriculture. National Agricultural Library. National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

"Web site and program are a project of the National Agricultural Library in partnership with the American Farm Bureau Federation. Start2Farm is funded through a USDA, National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Beginning Farming and Ranching Development Program grant and was developed to assist people new to farming or ranching and those who have less than 10 years experience."
bunch of vegetables Source IStock Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food

United States Department of Agriculture. National Agricultural Library.

A USDA initiative to promote sustainable local and regional food systems that will support small and mid-sized farms and ranches, strengthen rural communities, promote healthy eating, and protect our natural resources.
View the Compass
Man on horse herding cattle on range Agricultural Safety and Health Program

Ohio State University.

"A nationally recognized center of excellence for educational extension programming and agricultural safety and health research."
A family in a field Small Farm Funding Resources

USDA. NAL. Rural Information Center.

Find tools to develop a business plan, locate funding and assistance programs and more.
For a .pdf file Click here: .PDF Version
A father with his son and two pigs Small Farms

USDA. NAL. Alternative Farming Systems Information Center.

Small farms contribute a substantial portion (38 percent) of the value of United States farm production.
A field with a barn and silo in the background Farm Service Agency

United States Department of Agriculture.

"Farm Service Agency is equitably serving all farmers, ranchers, and agricultural partners through the delivery of effective, efficient agricultural programs for all Americans."
Koleagrass Commodity Operations

USDA. Farm Service Agency.

Handles the storage and distribution of commodities for the USDA addressing the following program areas:

  • Domestic Procurement
  • Export Operations
  • Transportation Services
  • Warehouse Services
    •
    Cow and Calf Disaster Assistance Programs for Farmers and Ranchers

    USDA. Farm Service Agency.

    "The Farm Service Agency provides assistance for natural disaster losses, resulting from drought, flood, fire, freeze, tornadoes, pest infestation, and other calamities."

  • Emergency Farm Loans
    •
    A variety of interplanted crops including sunflowers Natural Resource Conservation Service Programs

    USDA. Natural Resources Conservation Service.

    Lists all of NRCS's natural resources conservation programs. These programs help people increase wildlife habitat, reduce soil erosion, reduce damages caused by natural disasters, enhance water supplies and improve water quality.
    Windmill Energy Programs

    USDA. Rural Development

    Includes information on the Rural Energy for America Programs (REAP).
    Farm with white fence and red barn Family & Small Farms

    USDA. National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

    "NIFA administers competitive and non-competitive funding opportunities that help its partners undertake research, education, and extension activities that support the work of farmers and ranchers across the United States."
    tractors in crops Agriculture Outlook Reports

    USDA. Economic Research Service.

    These are reports that use data to provide agriculture outlooks by product and special reports, like agricultural trade data.
    dry land indicating drought: Source U.S.Department of Agriculture, NRCS U.S. Department of Agriculture's Drought and Drought Assistance

    U.S.Department of Agriculture.

    "This page provides resources and information related to the current drought crisis from across the Government."
    Picture of the White House New White House Report out on Strengthening Rural Communitites - June 2012 (PDF | 1.39 MB)

    United States White House.
    A farm building with solar panels Solar Energy Use in U.S. Agriculture (PDF | 3.43 MB)

    USDA. Office of the Chief Economist.

    April 2011 report from USDA that provides an "overview of solar energy use by farmers and ranchers in the U.S. that identifies trends and future potential."