Commissioner's Comments
Nov. 11 summit will share resources available to beginning farmers
Agriculture Commissioner Ryan F. Quarles
The average Kentucky farmer is almost 58 years old, and the number of beginning farmers coming up through the ranks is insufficient to replace those who are retiring. Beginning farmers who don’t inherit a family farm frequently struggle to get the financing they need to get started. A November 11 event will bring together government officials, economists, farm leaders, and others to address these complex issues.
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is co-sponsoring the Kentucky/Tennessee Beginning Farmer Summit Nov. 11 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. Experts will speak on government programs and financing opportunities available to young and beginning farmers. One session will address steps needed to pass the family farm down to the next generation. I will speak at the morning session, and the KDA’s chief of staff, Keith Rogers, will serve as co-moderator of the afternoon session. For more information about the Beginning Farmer Summit, click here.
There are numerous resources at the federal and state levels to help beginning farmers get started.
Kentucky’s Beginning Farmer Loan Program assists individuals with farming experience who seek to develop, expand, or buy into a farming operation. Overseen by the Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation, the program is available to anyone who has not operated a farm or ranch for more than 10 years; has participated in the business operation of a farm for at least three years; and substantially participates in the farming operation. To find out more about the Beginning Farmer Loan Program, go to the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy website, agpolicy.ky.gov.
USDA offers loans to help beginning farmers secure financing to buy farmland and cover other operating costs. Other programs can help beginning farmers draw up a business plan, manage risk, market their products, and persevere through an agricultural disaster. To find out about USDA programs targeted to beginning farmers, go to newfarmers.usda.gov or visit your local USDA service center.
The KyFarmStart program at the University of Kentucky is a management program for beginning farmers and transitioning farmers (those inheriting a family farm and moving into a new role). The goal of KyFarmStart is to help beginning farmers make profitable management decisions. For more information about KyFarmStart, go to uky.edu/Ag/AgEcon/kyfarmstart.
For all of its challenges, agriculture is an exciting field in this time of rapid change. I would encourage any young person with an interest in food and farming to consider agriculture and related industries for a rewarding career.
