This video series introduces you to resources that can help aspiring and beginning farmers launch and grow successful enterprises. They also share tips to building strong working relationships with lenders, insurers and USDA agency staff.
Overview of Agricultural Risk Management for Beginners
Managing Risk on New Farms. This 9-minute video provides an overview of the various types of agricultural risks, with a focus on concerns that beginning farmers may encounter. It also provides suggestions for addressing those concerns and places to find more information and support.
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Programs
How USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service Can Help Vermont’s New Farmers. In this 7.5-minute video, Vermont USDA-NRCS Soil Conservationists Sarah Larose and Jimmy Young give a brief overview of financial and technical assistance NRCS can provide to help farmers protect and conserve natural resources. Recorded September 20, 2021.
Pathway to USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service Financial and Technical Assistance for Vermont’s New Farmers. In this 7.5-minute video, Vermont USDA-NRCS Soil Conservationists Sarah Larose and Jimmy Young briefly discuss the steps for accessing NRCS services. Recorded September 20, 2021.
USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Programs
Introduction to USDA Farm Service Agency Programs for Vermont’s Beginning Farmers. In this short video, Vermont FSA staff share information about loan opportunities that can help beginning farmers finance their business and programs that can help mitigate financial risks.
USDA Loan Programs for Vermont’s Beginning Farmers. In this segment, USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Farm Loan Specialist Jill Thomas describes FSA loan options for beginning farmers, and shares tips to establishing a strong working relationship with a lender.
The Non-Insured Disaster Assistance Program (NAP). This short video gives an overview of the USDA Farm Service Agency’s Non-Insured Disaster Assistance Program (NAP). It briefly explains what the program is, what it does — and doesn’t do — and things beginning farmers may want to consider when making a decision about enrolling in the program.
This series is a collaboration of the New Farmer Project and the University of Vermont Agricultural Risk Management Education Program based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2018-70027-28588 and Award Number 2018-70027-28584.