New and Beginning Farmers

According to USDA statistics, half of all current farmers in the U.S. are likely to retire in the next decade. Enlisting and supporting new farmers is essential to the future of family farms, the farm economy and healthy rural communities. Who will these new farmers be? From new farmer focus groups and requests for information, we know that they come from all backgrounds, are in all stages of development, and bring a wide range of talents and resources to their new enterprises. Resources in this section will help you identify programs, services, and resources for new and beginning farmers.

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	Dream/Plan/Implement: Business planning is an important part of owning and managing a farm. Producers traditionally go through the business planning process to: Evaluate production alternatives; Identify new market opportunities; and Communicate their ideas to lenders, business partners, and family. As agricultural entrepreneurs define and create themselves away from more “conventional” farming models, business planning has become more important than ever.
	Farm Business Planning: Business planning is an important part of owning and managing a farm. Producers traditionally go through the business planning process to: Evaluate production alternatives; Identify new market opportunities; and Communicate their ideas to lenders, business partners, and family. As agricultural entrepreneurs define and create themselves away from more “conventional” farming models, business planning has become more important than ever.
	Small Farm Course by Shannon Dill Urban sprawl and development is on the increase in Maryland. According to the 2002 census 48% of farms are less than 50 acres and 89% of farmers are part-time, working 100 or more days off the farm. This trend is expected to continue because of high land values and farming costs. These small farms and part-time farmers are looking for new enterprises to grow more intensely on small acreage and many of the landowners are new to farming. This program focuses on new and/or small farmers interested in agriculture, the environment, and production. Farmers continue to search for ways to diversify and add value to their products. Goals of the program include: Introducing the agriculture industry and available enterprises to small farmers. Increasing environmental stewardship crop and livestock production strategies. Providing tools to develop a small farm enterprise. Identifying resources available to small farmers.
	Tomorrow's Farmers Web Modules: Farmer School On-Line Farming Education Series Whether you grew up on a farm or not, the web modules will open your eyes to the world of farming. A course designed for the young and old alike. It just may make a farmer out of a “city kid” or a “hayseed.” After viewing the series in its entirety take the Final Exam. All participants receiving a final Exam Grade of 70% or above will receive a “Certificate of Farming Competency,” compliments of the Anne Arundel County Extension Office.
	Institute of Applied Agriculture The Institute of Applied Agriculture (IAA) is the two-year certificate program in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Maryland. The IAA offers in-depth curricula in eight options: Agricultural Business Management Equine Business Management General Turfgrass Management Golf Course Construction Golf Course Management Landscape Management Ornamental Horticulture Sports Turf Management

Maryland Small Business Development Center Network Since 1988, the seasoned staff of the Maryland Small Business Development Center (MDSBDC) Network has provided sound advice, counseling, and support to entrepreneurs and small to mid-size businesses across the state.
http://www.mdsbdc.umd.edu/

USDA Small Farm Funding Resource
http://www.nal.usda.gov/ric/ricpubs/small_farm_funding.htm

Small Business Administration Small Business Planner
http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/index.html

Farm Beginnings is a Land Stewardship Project initiative that provides opportunities for beginning and transitioning farmers to learn firsthand about values clarification and goal setting, whole farm planning, business plan development, and low-cost, sustainable farming methods.
http://www.landstewardshipproject.org/fb/resources.html

Growing New Farmers (GNF) is a support network for Northeast new farmers. As members of the GNF Service Provider Consortium, almost 200 organizations and agencies provide consultation and support for new or next generation farmers.
http://www.growingnewfarmers.org

Farm Credit System Institutions make over $9 billion available to beginning farmers.
http://westernfarmpress.com/news/052307-beginning-farmers

North Carolina Farm Transition Network is a website filled with resources to help you transition your legacy to the next generation.
http://www.ncftn.org/

Penn State's PA Food Ventures: Food For Profit Series - Fact sheets you should read before starting a new food business in Pennsylvania.
http://pafoodventures.psu.edu/fpp.html

Penn State University’s Ag Marketing Program. Site features material for new and beginning farmers that was created by the North Central Initiative for Small Farm Profitability project partners: Practical Farmers of Iowa, Food Circles Networking Project Center for Rural Affairs, and the University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives.
http://agmarketing.extension.psu.edu/begfrmrs.html

Beginning Farmer Financing Programs: a resource list provided by the Center for Rural Affairs; Lyons, NE.
http://www.cfra.org/resources/beginning_farmer/fundingsources