USDA Works To Help Beginning Farmers In Oregon

Those interested in becoming a farmer or rancher can look to their state's USDA Beginning Farmer Rancher Teams for a trove of resources about becoming a producer. Oregon BFR Coordinator Kathy Ferge said she works to make sure each aspiring farmer has all the needed tools to make informed decisions.

"Once they've transitioned to 'Yes, I want to farm,' then we start getting into the challenge of 'Is there land available for me? If the land is available for me, is it something that I can afford? If I can't afford it, what are my resources?'"

Ferge, once a beginning farmer herself adds that although owning a ranch or farm may be a dream come true, it’s still a small business and should be thought of as such.

"You also have to have some kind of educational background. There are many people I talk to who have never set foot on a farm. Looking at your potential (creditors), they are going to want to be assured that you have what it takes to make this farm happen."

The Oregon BFR team has also put together a series of virtual events called Beginning Farmers and Ranchers: In The Know. They are intended to connect beginning farmers with relevant USDA resources like farm loans, risk management, disaster assistance and conservation programs.

Click Here to learn more about Beginning Farmers and Ranchers: In The Know to register.

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