Limited Resource Farmer/Rancher Home

The purpose of this program is to ensure that USDA programs are administered in a way that enables small or limited resource farmers to maintain and develop economic viability in farm operations, to ensure USDA financial and technical assistance programs and activities reach small and limited resource farmers and ranchers, and to ensure technical practices and information are relevant to the needs of these farmers and ranchers.

Please use the Limited Resource Farmer/Rancher Self-Determination Tool on the left menu to certify your eligibility as a Limited Resource Farmer/Rancher for a particular Federal fiscal year, (October 1 – September 30).

Additional Information

• NRCS Limited Resource Farmer/Rancher Program
• Economic Reserach Service (ERS) Limited Resource Farmer/Rancher Program
• Cynthia Nickerson and Michael Hand, "Participation in Conservation Programs by Targeted Farmers: Beginning, Limited-Resource, and Socially Disadvantaged Operators' Enrollment Trends", Economic Information Bulletin No. EIB-62, Dec 2009, 41 pp, Print.

Other Links

USDA Small Farmers
Abstract: This web site is intended to be a one-stop gateway to resources, benefits and services offered by USDA for small farmers.

Small Farmer: Events
Abstract: Events for Small Farmers

Small Farms Success Stories
Abstract: USDA Publication. This publication of success stories was prepared by the USDA Office of Small Farms and Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Coordinators. These stories highlight some of the successes that demonstrate the continuing efforts made by USDA to assist the nation’s small farmers and ranchers. (PDF; 1.23MB)

Last updated: 09/24/2012