Starting a farm has never been simple, but for today’s beginning farmers and ranchers, the financial barriers can be especially difficult to overcome. Land prices, equipment costs, livestock expenses, operating capital, and insurance can all make the path into agriculture feel out of reach. USDA offers a number of programs designed to help producers get established, and knowing where to begin can make the process far less intimidating.
On this episode of North American Ag Spotlight, host Chrissy Wozniak spoke with Amanda Robertson, National Outreach Specialist and Beginning Farmer and Rancher Regional Coordinator with the USDA Farm Service Agency. Robertson is also a sixth-generation Kentucky farmer whose family operates a registered Angus and Hereford cattle operation.
Her advice for aspiring producers is straightforward. Do not assume you are ineligible, start the conversation early, and take advantage of the people and programs designed to help you build a path forward.
Who Qualifies as a Beginning Farmer or Rancher
One of the biggest misconceptions about USDA beginning farmer programs is that eligibility is based on age. According to Robertson, USDA generally considers someone a beginning farmer or rancher if that person has not operated a farm for more than 10 years. Someone may have grown up working on a family farm and still qualify if they did not have primary managerial responsibility for the operation.
That distinction can open opportunities for people who have spent years working in agriculture but are only now preparing to manage or own an operation of their own.
The Biggest Barriers for Beginning Farmers
Robertson identified two of the most common challenges facing new producers as access to land and access to capital. The Farm Service Agency can serve as what Robertson described as a lender of first opportunity, offering loan programs that may provide more flexibility than traditional commercial lenders. FSA also has Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinators in every state to help producers understand available resources and determine which programs may fit their operation.
Robertson also stressed that USDA does not simply want to turn away producers who are not yet ready to qualify for a program. Instead, beginning farmer coordinators can help create a roadmap. That may include gaining more farming experience, working with Extension, leasing land before buying, improving financial readiness, or connecting with an experienced producer.
Where Beginning Farmers Should Start With USDA
For producers who have never worked with USDA, Robertson recommends starting with the Farm Service Agency. USDA’s farmers.gov website includes information for beginning farmers and outlines steps producers can take to prepare for their first USDA visit, explore financing options, and understand resources that may help them build and maintain their operations.
At the local level, FSA offices help producers establish themselves in the USDA system and obtain a farm serial number, which is often required to participate in federal agricultural programs.
From there, producers may also work with other USDA agencies, including the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Risk Management Agency, depending on their needs.
Robertson emphasized that the first step does not have to be complicated. Producers should begin by talking with their local FSA office and letting USDA staff help identify the next steps.
Farm Financing Options for Beginning Farmers
One USDA financing tool Robertson highlighted is the FSA Microloan Program. Microloans offer a simplified application process for loans of $50,000 or less. The funding can be used for operating expenses, livestock, equipment, crop inputs, and in some cases farm ownership.
While $50,000 may not be enough to purchase a large farm in many parts of the country, Robertson said the program can provide an important entry point for producers who are starting small, including urban farmers, specialty crop producers, women farmers, and veterans entering agriculture.
A Strong Business Plan Matters
Access to financing is only one part of the equation. Robertson stressed the importance of having a business plan that clearly explains where the farm is today, where the producer wants it to go, what will be produced, how it will be marketed, and whether the operation makes financial sense.
She also encouraged producers to be open with their FSA loan officers and to come prepared with realistic information about production, expenses, markets, and expected revenue. In agriculture, unexpected events are inevitable. Markets fall, droughts occur, livestock can be lost, and crops can fail.
Robertson recommended building financial projections conservatively by estimating expenses on the high side and income slightly lower than expected. She also emphasized the importance of insurance as part of managing agricultural risk.
Avoid Taking on Too Much Debt Too Soon
One of Robertson’s most practical pieces of advice for new farmers is to resist the temptation to buy the newest equipment. She referred to it as the attraction of “new paint.” A new tractor, combine, or truck may be appealing, but unnecessary debt can quickly create financial pressure for a new operation.
Robertson said beginning farmers should look for reasonable middle ground. Equipment needs to be reliable, but farmers do not necessarily need the newest or most expensive machinery when they are just getting started. The goal, she explained, is not simply to get more people into agriculture. It is to help producers build businesses that have a realistic chance of succeeding.
USDA Programs Are Designed for Different Types of Farms
Agriculture looks very different across the United States, and USDA programs must serve everything from cattle ranches and grain farms to specialty crop and vegetable operations. Robertson pointed to programs such as the Livestock Indemnity Program and the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program as examples of resources designed to address different types of agricultural risk.
She noted that some USDA fees may also be waived for qualifying beginning farmers, providing additional assistance to producers who are still establishing their businesses.
Mentorship Can Be as Valuable as Financing
USDA programs can help provide funding and resources, but Robertson believes new farmers also need experienced people around them. She strongly encouraged beginning farmers to find mentors who understand agriculture and have lived through both profitable years and difficult ones.
Mentorship does not need to come through a formal program. It may happen at the local feed store, in a tractor cab, through a neighbor, or with an established producer willing to share what they have learned.
Robertson said experienced farmers possess a wealth of knowledge that can help the next generation understand both the opportunities and the realities of farming.
USDA Resources Can Help Build a Path Into Agriculture
For someone looking at land prices, equipment costs, and operating expenses and wondering whether farming is still possible, Robertson’s advice is not to count it out too quickly. Start by having the conversation.
Visit the local Farm Service Agency office. Connect with a Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinator. Build a realistic business plan. Learn from established producers. Understand the financial risks before taking on debt.
There may not be a simple path into farming, but USDA resources for beginning farmers and ranchers can help producers understand their options and determine what steps they need to take next.
Robertson will also continue this conversation at the Women in Agribusiness Summit in New Orleans, where she will participate in a panel focused on the practical implementation of farmer programs and how producers have used USDA resources to build their operations.
Learn more about this USDA program at farmers.gov/new-farmers
TRANSCRIPT
00;00;07;19 – 00;00;34;09
Chrissy Wozniak
I am welcome to North American spotlight. I’m Chrissy Wozniak. Farming has never been easy, but today’s beginning. Farmers and ranchers are entering agriculture at a time when land, equipment, livestock and operating costs can make getting established very difficult and even feeling impossible. And even when assistance is available, figuring out which programs apply, where to start and how to navigate the process can be a challenge all on its own.
00;00;34;12 – 00;01;05;09
Chrissy Wozniak
USDA offers programs ranging from farm loans and crop insurance to disaster assistance and other resources designed to help producers establish and grow their operations. But ultimately, what matters is whether those programs actually work when they reach the farm. So today, we’re going to take a look at some of the biggest barriers facing beginning farmers and ranchers, and how existing producers can better navigate USDA and what the agency is learning about turning AG programs into practical tools for farmers that they can actually use.
00;01;05;12 – 00;01;38;20
Chrissy Wozniak
We’re also going to preview the upcoming Women and Agribusiness Summit in New Orleans, where this conversation is going to continue during a panel focused specifically on the practical implementation implementation of farmer programs. Joining me today is Amanda Robertson, national outreach specialist and beginning farmer and rancher regional coordinator with the USDA Farm Service Agency. Amanda is also a sixth generation farmer from Russell Springs, Conduct, Kentucky, where her family operates a registered Angus and Herford cattle operation.
00;01;38;21 – 00;01;41;29
Chrissy Wozniak
Amanda, welcome to North American spotlight.
00;01;42;01 – 00;01;45;23
Amanda Robertson
Thanks, Chrissy. It’s a pleasure to be here.
00;01;45;25 – 00;01;58;20
Chrissy Wozniak
Awesome. So before we get into USDA programs, tell us a little bit about your own AG background and how you went from growing up in, Kentucky cattle operation to working nationally with USDA.
00;01;58;22 – 00;02;19;25
Amanda Robertson
Sure. Grew up my entire life, been on the farm, six generation farmer. I also I’m, like, the only girl that’s involved in the operation. My dad, it’s kind of handed down to the generations from his family. He is one of six boys, and everyone kind of moved away from the farm. And then I am an only child.
00;02;19;25 – 00;02;49;09
Amanda Robertson
So, born and raised there. And it’s just something that’s been instilled in me from a young age. I’m very thankful for my humble beginnings and upbringing, and it’s just been a huge part of my life, has afforded me many opportunities, from growing up on the farm to being involved in FFA while in high school, and then pursuing an agricultural education degree, and going on to do my master’s in gifted education, but never taught a day in my life.
00;02;49;12 – 00;03;12;29
Amanda Robertson
Did an internship with USDA between my junior and senior year of college and to 21 two years later, here I am, still full time employment with USDA. Did start at the county level, so I’ve worked two boots on the ground. From that internship, it led to full time employment with USDA as a county office program technician.
00;03;12;29 – 00;03;37;15
Amanda Robertson
And then I became a farm loan officer. And in 2014, I was established with that farm bill, to do some targeted beginning farmer work. And so we started that work in 2016, and I’ve been focused on that ever since. I joined the national office team as part of the outreach division in 2019, and have kind of been doing that work ever since.
00;03;37;16 – 00;03;40;18
Amanda Robertson
So that leads us to where we are today.
00;03;40;20 – 00;03;59;21
Chrissy Wozniak
Oh that’s awesome. And I just love to see people in government and government agencies who grew up on the farm. Right. That just adds so much depth to that, to those positions. And so how does how does that influence your everyday life and the way that you approach your work at USDA?
00;03;59;23 – 00;04;34;15
Amanda Robertson
Sure. I think being able to relate to those that we are here to serve and working with, makes a huge difference. It makes I feel like my life easier and connecting with those individuals. And I feel that, you know, I’m able to be more influential and have more insight to offer those practical, suggestions and get them to where they need to be with the USDA and helping them to see to be able to, in real world terms, help them realize how those programs can work for them on their farm.
00;04;34;17 – 00;04;55;25
Amanda Robertson
Because I feel like we’re able to relate that, and bring it down to terms where folks can understand, because in government, you know, we love to use acronyms and kind of sometimes it’s even hard for us as employees to understand sometimes, but being able to interpret that and connect with the individuals we’re serving, I feel, is really something special.
00;04;55;25 – 00;04;59;07
Amanda Robertson
And, you know, I’m proud that I’m able to do that.
00;04;59;10 – 00;05;15;14
Chrissy Wozniak
Yeah, that that is awesome. And it’s such great value. So I’m so intrigued about the thought of help for beginning farmers and ranchers. So let’s define that term first. What who does USDA really consider a beginning? Farmer. Rancher.
00;05;15;16 – 00;05;43;15
Amanda Robertson
Great question. A lot of folks thinks that it’s age driven, which it is not. Our beginning farmer and rancher definition is anyone who has not operated a farm for more than ten years. So someone may have grown up just like myself. Working on the farm and being involved in the operation their entire life. But if they did not have managerial duties and assume that role, then they can still qualify as a beginning farmer and rancher.
00;05;43;18 – 00;05;58;04
Chrissy Wozniak
That’s really good to know. And then when you’re working with these producers across the country, what are you seeing as the biggest barriers that, you know, to them getting established in agriculture today?
00;05;58;07 – 00;06;27;18
Amanda Robertson
Well, a lot of times it’s access to land and access to capital, and that’s what we pride ourselves with the Farm Service Agency as being able to offer low interest loans, no down payments required. We have some flexibility that maybe some conventional lenders do not have. We also are known as the lender of first opportunity. So it’s a great way for beginning farmers to get their start when they come to us at FSA.
00;06;27;21 – 00;06;52;05
Amanda Robertson
And we also pride ourselves in having a beginning farmer and rancher coordinator in every state across the country that was mandated with the 2018 farm bill. So we have folks that are located in the states that are dedicated to doing that work, to focusing on helping individuals get connected with resources. Let them know what programs are available and what may work for them.
00;06;52;07 – 00;07;13;21
Amanda Robertson
Also, if they come to us, as I said, you know, access to land, access to capital, a lot of times folks obviously are looking for money. You know, often we get the question, I would like a grant to start a farm. Unfortunately, you know, we don’t have grants to that go to individuals to help with startup costs. But we do have those low interest loans, as I mentioned.
00;07;13;21 – 00;07;33;27
Amanda Robertson
And so that’s a great way for them to get started. If they are not USDA ready, as we say, our beginning farmer coordinator. So we don’t want to turn anyone away. We want to work with them, create a roadmap to help them get USDA ready. So it could be that they make a referral to extension. Maybe they need some education.
00;07;34;04 – 00;08;05;29
Amanda Robertson
Maybe they connect them with a seasoned farmer so they can gain that experience they need, or they are connected to be able to lease land before making that purchase of their own real estate. Because with our farm ownership loans, they are required to have three years of farming experience. We there are some substitutions that can be made. But we always encourage folks to work with their local farm loan officials because everyone’s situation is different.
00;08;06;02 – 00;08;36;15
Amanda Robertson
You know, people experience different things in their lives. They’re through. It could be post-secondary education. It could be through other employment opportunities where they’ve had managerial experience. Just all those things really come into play when we’re looking at that. And so we don’t ever want to discourage anyone from connecting with USDA or visiting. But thinking they’re not eligible, because we like to say there’s a place for everyone at USDA.
00;08;36;22 – 00;08;56;03
Amanda Robertson
So we just really encourage them to work closely with their state, beginning farmer and rancher coordinator, and then be referred to those local individuals who, again, are boots on the ground, can help them work with them one on one. To fill out applications and hopefully get them to a yes and to get them approved.
00;08;56;05 – 00;09;18;19
Chrissy Wozniak
Amazing. So with, USDA, they have we have a tremendous number of programs and agencies, and I know that I can definitely be intimidated to someone who’s never worked with the department. And I and I think about, you know, a lot of even operators on farms that, you know, say, I would I would love to work, you know, I would love to own my own farm, but they just can’t see the path to get there.
00;09;18;21 – 00;09;35;29
Chrissy Wozniak
And, and that’s somebody that’s probably worked in that industry their whole lives. So if you were an operator or somebody with that experience just walking through the door for the first time, where is the first place to start? I know you said the local extension. Is there anywhere online that they could also research?
00;09;36;01 – 00;10;05;07
Amanda Robertson
Yeah. So we have on farmers.gov/new farmers. It’s a great place for beginning farmers to go. We actually have that laid out step by step what you need to do. How to prepare for your first visit. And then there’s a section on financing on what’s needed to apply for loans and then how as the journey goes on, how you can sustain your operation of what is included in marketing your products that you’re growing.
00;10;05;10 – 00;10;36;21
Amanda Robertson
So it’s really a great website for folks to visit as you click on each of those journeys or cards, as we call them, there’s many resources that can take you, to other places. We, as you mentioned, kind of when you’re walking through the front door, we like for everyone to start with the Farm Service Agency, simply because that’s where folks get enrolled in the system, as we say, to get a farm serial number, which is often a magic number that you have to have to apply for programs.
00;10;36;21 – 00;11;01;25
Amanda Robertson
But the local farm service agency is where individuals get that. And so when they are coming for the first time, it just basic information of needing their name, social security number, telephone address, if they own property, a copy of the deed as that’s how the property is delineated to get a farm serial number. And really that just gets them established in the system.
00;11;01;27 – 00;11;33;03
Amanda Robertson
And then they can also work with our sister agencies at the Natural Resource Conservation Service or the Risk Management Agency to, get crop insurance, which is something that’s very important, especially to beginning farmers. And so just lots of opportunities there. But we always encourage that first stop to be the Farm Service Agency. And then of course, you know, if they’re not yet ready, to participate in our programs, then, you know, the extension service, our colleges and universities often offer beginning farmer programs.
00;11;33;03 – 00;11;40;11
Amanda Robertson
Or there’s educational opportunities there, to where folks can get involved and build their networks.
00;11;40;14 – 00;11;59;24
Chrissy Wozniak
Yeah, that’s that is a very, very, laid out path. I like that a lot. And and often the local agencies and extensions are overlooked, which they’re such a great tool and resource. That’s the and, you know, I work with them often and they’re always eager to help. And that’s what I really love about, about those services.
00;11;59;26 – 00;12;10;25
Chrissy Wozniak
So let’s, change gears over to financing. What kind of options does FSA offer beginning farmers, who may not yet qualify for conventional commercial financing?
00;12;10;27 – 00;12;32;21
Amanda Robertson
Sure. So one of our programs that opens the doors for a lot of our beginning farmers is a microloan program. It is a simplified loan process that’s $50,000 or less now, depending where you are. Across the country, folks might say, well, that’s hardly nothing. That won’t get me anywhere, but it’s a good place to start. And for others, that could be a large sum of money.
00;12;32;21 – 00;12;58;07
Amanda Robertson
Like, you know, we cover everything from urban agriculture to traditional agriculture. So really, you know, depending on who, what the need is and who we’re working with, whether or not that micro loan is a good fit for them. But it has offered a lot of opportunities for our beginning farmers. And to what, especially for like our women farmers or veterans, that are transitioning out of service back to civilian life and want to farm.
00;12;58;13 – 00;13;24;29
Amanda Robertson
It’s a great avenue for them. And through that microloan it can be used for operating purposes, like to purchase crop inputs, to purchase livestock equipment, to do things like that, or farm ownership. And again, depend where you are in the country. $50,000 might not go a long ways, but if folks are just needing some small acreage and you’re in a place where that’s something that’s feasible, then it can be used for that as well.
00;13;25;02 – 00;13;34;09
Chrissy Wozniak
Yeah, fantastic. And how important in this process is having a strong business plan before they start looking for financing, right.
00;13;34;10 – 00;14;01;24
Amanda Robertson
It’s always good to have a good business plan. Know what you want to achieve, know where you are currently and where you want to go. I always tell folks when you’re meeting with your local loan official, be honest, communication is key and they will help you fill out that balance sheet. I know speaking from experience of being a farm loan officer, I would rather sit down with the customer and go through it with them.
00;14;01;26 – 00;14;21;17
Amanda Robertson
So we know because a lot of times just like, anything with government forms, it can be interpreted different ways. So our loan officials are really there. It’s great for them to be able to explain things. What the specific question, the categories that we’re looking for, the items that should be placed there makes life easier for everyone.
00;14;21;23 – 00;14;43;15
Amanda Robertson
We also have an opportunity for them to now complete things online. So that’s something that we’re, you know, trying to navigate and then encourage folks to try that out if they would like to do so. But it’s really good to have the business plan in place, especially if you’re in an area. And we talked about maybe some nontraditional agriculture.
00;14;43;22 – 00;15;05;10
Amanda Robertson
I always encourage folks to do their homework, do their research because, you know, that loan official, they see so many different things and you might be coming to them with a great plan, something you’re passionate about that you’ve researched, but they’re not really that familiar with it. And if they’re not comfortable working with it, you know, it can, you know, present some barriers, maybe.
00;15;05;17 – 00;15;34;05
Amanda Robertson
And too, I’m speaking from experience of being in those shoes. So it’s really good for folks to understand and know how they’re going to produce that commodity. You know, what their market is to convey that they have researched kind of what the history is, what the production, what, the expense, what they’re going, how they’re going to market it, what’s relevant for the area where they are located.
00;15;34;07 – 00;15;54;03
Amanda Robertson
And that makes it a whole lot easier if they are that well prepared when they go in and have that first conversation with that loan official sharing their ideas of what they want to do, you know, where they want to go with their operation if they come well prepared, chances are that customer experience is going to be a lot better.
00;15;54;11 – 00;16;05;26
Amanda Robertson
And you know it’s going to help them as the customer and as well the employee that’s sitting across the desk that’s going to be working up that one.
00;16;05;29 – 00;16;26;02
Chrissy Wozniak
Yeah. And of course, whether it’s a new farmer applying for a loan, having a plan is obviously such a good idea to get to the, you know, try to role play anything that could go wrong as well, I think is so important. Right. Because obviously in agriculture, things can go wrong all the time and do go wrong all of the time.
00;16;26;02 – 00;16;28;15
Chrissy Wozniak
So it’s good to have that played out as well. Right?
00;16;28;18 – 00;16;46;26
Amanda Robertson
Oh yeah. Certainly. And as I mentioned, the insurance, that’s why it’s good to be, you know, for folks to understand the importance of having insurance if you’re in the farming business, because there are things that happen beyond our control, whether it be weather related, whether it be, you know, our health, something goes wrong. That’s something we don’t want to think about.
00;16;46;26 – 00;17;11;18
Amanda Robertson
But, all of those things and figuring, I would say conservatively, when you’re working on your cash flow and your income and expense and just as we’re in a time where, you know, we’ve seen cattle prices be very high, you know, something could happen to where that market drops the same with grain or any other commodity. So, you know, as we’re working through this and folks are planning, it’s good to do that.
00;17;11;21 – 00;17;24;15
Amanda Robertson
Conservatively, I would say to ensure that, you know, you’re covered kind of figure high on your expenses and a little bit, maybe lower of what you expect to get in return. Yeah. So play it safe for sure.
00;17;24;15 – 00;17;46;09
Chrissy Wozniak
And over your, you know, 22 years at the agency, I’m sure you’ve met all types of people. You probably have some great stories and had seen a lot of successes and then probably some failures too. So what are some common mistakes that you see, you know, producers just starting out make when applying for USDA financing or assistance?
00;17;46;12 – 00;18;13;19
Amanda Robertson
Yeah. So I would say the attraction of having new paint, as we say, if they’re just getting started, if they think you know, the big ones that John Deere green, you know, if it’s buying that new shiny combine or that, you know, new tractor or a large piece of equipment that’s brand new, you know, we tell folks it’s okay, well, you don’t want to buy junk in something you’re going to be working on all the time.
00;18;13;27 – 00;18;36;13
Amanda Robertson
There is some middle ground to find there. You know, we don’t have to go have the finest of everything starting out. Because you can find yourself head over heels in debt and, you know, if something were to go bad and, you know, it was a bad crop year. It was a very dry year, and you didn’t produce good yields, or there was a freeze or, you know, anything can happen.
00;18;36;13 – 00;19;01;01
Amanda Robertson
You know, we have a bad storm. Lightning strikes, your cattle get struck by lightning, you lose them. You know, I mean, there’s always things that can go wrong. So in if you’re just starting out, relatively new, you’re starting out on your own. You’re the one now responsible for all expenses, every day management. It might be a little bit more tougher than what you think.
00;19;01;01 – 00;19;12;27
Amanda Robertson
So you don’t want to go out. And, you know, that’s what we see. While that’s so attractive, it’s just like, you know, refer to it as a teenage boy. When they turn 16, they want a big Dooley truck, you know, to ride around in. We have to.
00;19;12;28 – 00;19;13;24
Chrissy Wozniak
Keep.
00;19;13;27 – 00;19;46;24
Amanda Robertson
Yeah, we have to keep in check and do what is reasonable and sensible, because we always say even, you know, when we started this work and, as beginning farmer outreach coordinators and, you know, trying to recruit and retain beginning farmers, our message was we don’t want to set anyone up for failure while we want people to get involved in it, if they’re hesitant, if they’re not sure this is something that they want to do, we don’t want to push them into it and get them in a place where they can’t rebound, or they found themselves in a bad spot.
00;19;46;24 – 00;20;02;12
Amanda Robertson
That’s not at all what we want to do. So we want to make sure that it’s it’s fitting for their needs and what they’re wishing to do in their plan, as you were talking about, when they come to us with that business plan, it all fits together. That’s what we want to see.
00;20;02;14 – 00;20;23;18
Chrissy Wozniak
Yeah, that that makes total sense. And then from the USDA part, how how are you measuring success on your side. How do you determine whether a USDA program is actually successful. Is it is the goal to get producers enrolled, or are you looking at whether those farms maintain financial viability over time?
00;20;23;21 – 00;20;41;01
Amanda Robertson
I would say all of the above. We want to see people utilizing the programs we track, that it’s really easy for us to track those outputs of how many people are participating, how many beginning farmers in our Microloan program, in our farm ownership loans and our operating loans? We do track that. That’s part of our beginning.
00;20;41;01 – 00;21;08;10
Amanda Robertson
Farmer and rancher coordinators across the country, they do outreach and education plans with these metrics and goals. Every year they develop a plan and then they do year end reporting. So we actually get that feedback back from them each year. So not only do we want to be seeing that number increasing each year of how many people are getting those loans, we want to see the outcomes of them, of them expanding their operation from what they’re doing.
00;21;08;10 – 00;21;38;14
Amanda Robertson
So by that, you know, are they purchasing more land after they, you know, make that first purchase or are they participating in NRCs programs to improve their soil fertility? Or, you know, are they maximizing their land or making conservation improvements utilizing rotational grazing or, you know, whatever the case may be, are they then going to the next step in doing value added agriculture or are they processing meat, you know, if that’s the venture that they went into or did we help them?
00;21;38;21 – 00;22;13;02
Amanda Robertson
You know, get started with inputs? Are they, you know, growing tomatoes or are they now making salsa or are they doing berries and they’re now making jam? So we try to track those producers and we ask for, are beginning, state beginning farmer and rancher coordinators to include those success stories with their year end reporting. So we can see if folks, you know, kind of their journey, we like to follow them and see, you know, how USDA helped them to get started and how they took them to the next level, to see that true outcome of where they’re going from, where they started.
00;22;13;05 – 00;22;32;13
Chrissy Wozniak
Yeah. Fantastic. And because agriculture is so diverse, you know, like, beginning cattle producer in Kentucky has a very different needs from a vegetable grower in Florida or a grain farmer in Iowa. How does USDA avoid taking AA1 size fits all approach to all of these diverse needs?
00;22;32;15 – 00;23;09;17
Amanda Robertson
Yeah. Great question. I think sometimes, you know, we still trying to figure that out and we try to navigate it. But I would say the folks in those areas, they are very good. They know their customers. That’s why we have, you know, wonderful employees across the country. So they’re able to take these programs, you know, if they are applicable to their area and make it work for them, just like, air disaster programs, you know, if something happens across the country or, you know, in a certain region or area, we’ve got disaster programs whether, you know, it could be for livestock or it’s for that vegetable producer.
00;23;09;20 – 00;23;32;20
Amanda Robertson
And so different programs. I think we have such an array that, we try to cover every commodity out there, whether it is the livestock indemnity program for cattle, which is a program that helps to, it doesn’t make them whole, just the same as insurance, but it does provide them a little bit of payment instead of getting nothing out of that loss.
00;23;32;20 – 00;23;59;23
Amanda Robertson
So if there’s adverse weather, extreme heat, extreme cold, lightning strike in that livestock, if something happens, it dies. They potentially can be reimbursed for that livestock. And then, on the other hand, we offer an insurance called non insurable assistance disaster program with for show for short. That’s for our vegetable producers or folks growing things that cannot be insured through a regular insurance agent.
00;23;59;23 – 00;24;27;03
Amanda Robertson
So we see that like in Florida, as you mentioned, something happens and the cool thing about that insurance, there’s an administrative fee, but if someone falls into the category of being a beginning farmer, that fee can be waived for them. They can get that for free. So, just I think we have a diverse, group of programs that can fit a diverse group of individuals across the country.
00;24;27;05 – 00;25;01;24
Amanda Robertson
And, just as you alluded to, there are some programs they’re not going to be applicable. You know, for someone in Washington state that’s going to be applicable in, you know, Florida or especially in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, you know, we serve those folks, too. So there’s, programs given their logistics and things they have to deal with, that’s not going to be, available or reasonable for those in the other states.
00;25;01;27 – 00;25;26;28
Chrissy Wozniak
I it’s very good to know. One thing that’s concerning, I think, to all of us involved in agriculture is the, is farmland being built on and going away. And so farm succession is becoming a major issue as this older or the older producers are retiring. And do you see some of these programs actually playing a role in helping keep that farmland in production?
00;25;27;01 – 00;25;58;04
Amanda Robertson
We do have a program. It is a conservation program, the transition incentive program. If we have a landowner that’s retiring and a had a CRP contract, they can receive two additional years of payment if, that land is then handed to a beginning farmer and they assume that they turned it into production agriculture. So that’s one program that we have that is focusing on the issue that you were you were speaking about.
00;25;58;07 – 00;26;17;19
Chrissy Wozniak
I see I didn’t realize that. So that’s good. So what do you what do you say to somebody who wants to farm? But looks at the land prices, like all of these costs, and they really think there’s just no way to get started, is there? Just, you know, like a just the advice you would give to that person.
00;26;17;19 – 00;26;19;02
Chrissy Wozniak
So.
00;26;19;04 – 00;26;42;12
Amanda Robertson
Yeah. So kind of like I said before, don’t count it out just yet. Have those conversations. You know, I think the best lessons learned are taught to people who’s been there and done that. I think that’s where a lot of great lessons are learned. We do encourage are beginning farmers or those seeking to get into agriculture to have a mentor.
00;26;42;15 – 00;27;03;25
Amanda Robertson
You know, in we tell folks, mentorship doesn’t have to be professionally. It can happen in a country store. It can happen on the tractor. You know, I have a great passion for those who have gone before us that has, you know, built it’s been the backbone of American agriculture and has built our country to be what it is today.
00;27;03;27 – 00;27;25;06
Amanda Robertson
You know, I think those folks need to be respected. And I think the more that the next generation can appreciate that and visit with those folks who we still have with us today, that still doing the work, who understands that are a wealth of knowledge. They’ve been there, done that. They’ve got lessons learned. So I would encourage someone to connect with somebody that’s been invested in it.
00;27;25;06 – 00;27;54;15
Amanda Robertson
They’re seasoned. They know they’ve seen the good, the bad, the ugly. Because when we have these conversations, it’s like, don’t just sugarcoat it and say, oh, it’s great. It’s great way that you know, raise your kids in the living. You know, people need to know it’s it’s tough. Times can get really rough. And rocky, you know, and I’ve seen that firsthand from, you know, our family farm operation, but thankfully, you know, my dad’s a strong man of faith and continues to push forward.
00;27;54;17 – 00;28;15;19
Amanda Robertson
And, you know, we built it to to what it is today. So there is hope out there. You know, folks are adamant about it. And that’s another good thing about, you know, our beginning farmer coordinators, I would just encourage folks to connect with them. They can have those conversations. And, you know, they’re there to give folks hope and to get them connected with who can help them.
00;28;15;21 – 00;28;25;09
Amanda Robertson
And hopefully make their dreams come true, if that’s what their passion is. And, yeah, hopefully help pave the way for them on their journey.
00;28;25;12 – 00;28;47;14
Chrissy Wozniak
Yeah, yeah, that’s awesome advice. And changing gears again, you are going to be speaking at Women and Agribusiness Summit in New Orleans in September. Well, actually this month it’s already September. At, the Farmers Program’s practical implementation implementation panel. It’s such a mouthful. What are you hoping to bring to that conversation?
00;28;47;16 – 00;29;12;24
Amanda Robertson
Yeah. So just a lot of what we have been talking about, we have two fantastic, ladies that’s going to be joining us on this panel. They started their farming operations with zero agricultural knowledge or background. But they saw that it was important and they saw that there was a need for healthy foods to get out, to help folks to thrive and to do their part.
00;29;12;26 – 00;29;39;24
Amanda Robertson
And they were persistent and they got to, yes, with USDA and were able to use their programs, starting from ground zero. And today they are well on their way to owning and managing their own operations, doing well, and are now actually serving in leadership roles at USDA, that are offered, for individuals. So it’s going to be really great.
00;29;39;24 – 00;30;00;04
Amanda Robertson
I’m really excited for them to share their journey and tell folks, to give some inspiration because I think, you know, it’s we were just talking if there’s somebody out there that has that dream in their heart and they’re not sure where to start or whether to take that leap of faith and go for it, I think that this will be their encouragement to take that step.
00;30;00;07 – 00;30;20;17
Chrissy Wozniak
Yeah, that that is very exciting. I can’t wait to see the panel and really to be able to see both the USDA side and the perspective from from either side. I think that’s going to be a great conversation. Very good. And, I guess we’ll start to wrap up now. And I like to end the the show on more of a personal note.
00;30;20;19 – 00;30;36;05
Chrissy Wozniak
You’re a sixth generation farmer. You’ve spent your career working with farmers and ranchers, and you’ve chosen to dedicate your work to helping this next generation enter agriculture. So why do you serve this industry? Why do you keep doing this work? And what did God put you on the earth for?
00;30;36;07 – 00;31;12;04
Amanda Robertson
Yeah. Great question. And I don’t know that I have, you know, a lengthy answer other than, you know, this is where my heart and soul is. I feel it’s very important. And we’ve got to have our farmers and ranchers to provide our food, fiber and shelter. We’ve got to have them to thrive. And if I can support them and help them see the importance and help them to make a difference and to do what they love to do and to contribute to society and your community and your country.
00;31;12;07 – 00;31;14;23
Amanda Robertson
That’s what I want to do.
00;31;14;26 – 00;31;24;25
Chrissy Wozniak
Yeah. There’s nothing more honorable, I love it. Wonderful. Well, Amanda, thank you so much for joining me today and for sharing all your perspectives.
00;31;24;27 – 00;31;30;10
Amanda Robertson
Yeah, it’s been an honor to be here and look forward to seeing you at the women in agribusiness summit.
00;31;30;12 – 00;31;51;26
Chrissy Wozniak
Yes, absolutely. And for those listening, as I said, Amanda will be speaking at the Women in Agribusiness Summit, and, we’re going to include all of the links and information in the show notes. So go ahead and look for that there. And thank you to all who are watching or listening. Don’t forget to subscribe to North American Tech Spotlight on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, listen notes, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
00;31;51;28 – 00;31;59;14
Chrissy Wozniak
And if you like the episode, I would love it if you shared it and have a great day!