Farm Bill 2014 – What it Means for Beginning Farmers for the Next 5 Years
This post is the second of three in-depth analysis pieces on the bill and how it will affect you. Last week, after we shared the news that the new farm bill passed, we delved into a three-part series breaking the bill down and what its impact will be over the next five years. (The bill […]
USDA Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden Sits down with NYFC and Hudson Valley Farmers
NYFC got the rare opportunity last week to sit down with the USDA’s new Deputy Secretary, Krysta Harden, in Clermont, NY, when she was in-state for the Young Farmers Conference at the Stone Barns Center for Agriculture.
Microloan amendment receives bipartisan support in the Senate
We are thrilled to announce a small victory on the Farm Bill front! This week the FSA Microloan Authorization amendment to the Farm Bill received bipartisan support, as Senators Casey (D-PA), Harkin (D-IA) and Johanns (R-NE) all put themselves as official co-sponsors of the bill. The Microloan amendment strengthens the Farm Service Agency’s microloan program […]
Registration Open for Free Webinar Discussing FSA Microloan Program
You’ve heard us talk about the FSA microloan program. In fact, you probably were a part of the push over the past year to make it a reality. Well the USDA listened to us, so let’s make sure this program actually gets used! The microloan program offers low-interest loans up to $35,000 to better serve […]
NYFC applauds Farm Service Agency's New Microloan Program
The final rule for the Farm Service Agency’s micro-loan program (ML) is now available on the Federal Register. We’ve taken a look and are pleased with the outcome. NYFC has been advocating for credit opportunities for small and beginning farmers for some time. We got policy makers thinking about this in 2011 and then proposed it […]
Resource Spotlight: USDA's Organic Literacy Initiative
The USDA recently launched its Organic Literacy Initiative, a program designed to connect organic farmers, ranchers, processors with the Department of Agriculture resources they could use. Resources go over what the it means to be organic and how certification works, as well as resources for current certified farmers and ranchers. The matericals include factsheets for […]
USDA launches new microloan program aimed at small and beginning farmers
Frustrated with traditional loans not suited for your diverse, small-scale operation? The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) released a rule today modifying its Farm Operating Loans (OL) program to include micro-loans. These micro-loans are smaller, require less paperwork, and allow for a longer payment period to better address the needs of small and beginning farmers. […]
New Guide: Learn what FSA loans can do for you
The FSA has just released a clear a concise explanation of its different farm loans and policies in an online publication entitled “Your guide to FSA Farm Loans.” The guide is specifically written for those considering assistance for starting, expanding, or purchasing land for a farm or ranch. While the best thing for you to […]
Bootstrap @ Hartwood Farm: How We Bought the Farm
By Maryellen Sheehan | Not owning farmland should not keep anyone from farming.
An interview with Chris Beyerhelm, Deputy Administrator for Farm Loan Programs.
With all the questions that we get about the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), we thought that we should get those questions (and answers) put in writing. Chris Beyerhelm, Deputy Administrator for Farm Loan Programs at FSA, was kind enough to help us out. If you have additional questions that you’d like Chris to answer, […]