Training New Farmers at the Center for Agroecology and Food Systems
The Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems (CASFS) at the University of California, Santa Cruz is a nationally renowned training program for organic growers. You can help strengthen programs like the Santa Cruz program: Tell Congress to support the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program today. In addition to funding their important work, CASFS […]
USDA's “Know Your Farmer” Compass Expanded
The USDA just expanded their “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food” Compass, an online database of resources for farmers, now including resources from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Labor, EPA and many other federal agencies. The Compass is a searchable map of projects that have received some form of support […]
With BFRDP, Grassworks Resists Corporate Dairying by Training Young Ranchers
In Wisconsin, as in most of the country, the path to becoming a teacher or a lawyer is well defined. But suppose you want to become a dairy farmer without a farm to inherit: That career path is less certain. And, with an aging population of farmers, it’s more important than ever to educate the […]
Cast Your Vote for a Fair Farm Bill!
Yes, the presidential election is over. But that doesn’t mean we’re done in DC for the fight for beginning farmers. Now that your vote was counted in the political races, it’s time to cast another vote, this one for a better Farm Bill that supports beginning farmers. Sign on to the Young Farmers/National Sustainable Agriculture […]
Massachusetts Beginning Farmer Network Forum Next Week
NYFC is pleased to be able to spread the word about this beginning farmer network starting up in Massachusetts. MA farmers – check it out! Anyone in other areas not yet involved with a young/beginning farmer coalition, contact us to learn how to get one going. BFN/Mass Fall Forum- November 13th from 10:30 to 2:30 […]
Stabenow and Cantor Express Support for a Farm Bill this Fall
Last week, Senator Debbie Stabenow, head of the US Senate Agriculture Committee, and House Majority Leader Rep. Eric Cantor both firmly expressed that a Farm Bill would be passed in the lame-duck session after the election. During a campaign stop on Boise, ID, Cantor said that he had delayed action before the recess, which began […]
Team Up with NYFC for a Better Farm Bill
It seems like lately it’s been all trick and no treat when it comes to Congress’ advocacy for farmers! The Farm Bill expired nearly a month ago and Congress is now on recess until after the election. What can we do? NYFC has teamed up with the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition to generate a massive […]
South Dakota Trains a Network of Beginning Ranchers with Help from BFRDP Funding
Ken Olson is the extension beef specialist at South Dakota State’s West River Agricultural Center. He came to South Dakota from Montana, where he grew up on a farm that ultimately wasn’t large enough to support both him and his brother. Though he teaches agricultural science for a living at SDSU, the highlight of his […]
The Farm Bill's Real Impact – BFRDP Helps Train the Next Generation
My name is Sophie Ackoff, I have been an apprentice at Glynwood Farm. Like so many other beginning farmers today, I don’t come from a farming family and I have no land or agricultural skills to inherit from my parents. I believe that the government needs to support beginning farmers and shouldn’t short-change farmer training […]
NYFC Signs on to Call for Investing in Beginning and Underserved Farmers
NYFC has joined with the Land Stewardship Project and other agriculture organizations around the country in signing on to an organizational letter to Congress calling for proper investment in USDA programs supporting a bright future for American agriculture when they reconvene after the election. The letter urges action on a new farm bill along with […]