BEGINNING FARMERS START HERE!! @everyone

STEPS FOR BEGINNING FARMERS, RANCHERS and VETERANS

1-Obtain land, whether by deed (ownership), lease or other means. (apartment balconies or porches)

2-Make an appointment to Visit your local Farm Service Office (FSA), to get a farm service number.

3- Bring appropriate documents to visit: tax information, bank statements, legal paperwork and personal id.

4-Think about your vision. (What would you like to do?) List your challenges.

DURING YOUR VISIT

1-Register for a farm service number. This is required to participate in USDA programs. You will need either a SS number or EIN. If you are an LLC, your authority to sign paperwork may be required.

2-Discuss your business and conservation goals. Your local FSA or NRCS team need to understand your vision in order to recommend programs for you. Ex. Are you looking for capital, to rebuild after a natural disaster, improve soil health, etc.

3-Make a plan to meet conservation compliance provisions and do an environmental review. . File form AD-1026, to preserve wetlands.

4-Verify eligibility. File a CCC-941 form to verify your AGI (adjusted gross income)does not exceed $900,000.

5-File your program application. FSA can help with the forms.

6-Sign up for emails and texts to stay informed about updates and changes.

After Visit

1-File your acreage reports throughout the year.

2-Keep in touch with the local office.

3-Create a farmers.gov account to manage your USDA business.

4-Get a receipt of the visit. Demand one. This protects you, if any questions arises-in the future.

REGISTER FOR THE TRAINING CLASSES PROVIDED BY COF-CDC AND USDA.

SIGN UP FOR A FREE ACCOUNT AT FARMER.GOV