A beginning farmer is defined as one who:
- Has not operated a farm or ranch for more than 10 years
- Does not own a farm or ranch greater than 30 percent of the average size farm in the county as determined by the most current Census for Agriculture at the time the loan application is submitted
- Meets the loan eligibility requirements of the program to which he/she is applying - Farm Operating Loan, Farm Ownership Loan, or Microloan
- Substantially participates in the operation